2012 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WD12 DMY

The most recent MOT test, conducted on 6 November 2025, resulted in a pass; however, the examiner recorded five advisory items which collectively warrant careful attention from a prospective buyer. The advisories include binding front brake calipers on both sides, worn front inner suspension arm pins or bushes on both sides, corrosion on the rear sub-frame, and a nail in the nearside rear tyre. It is important to note that a previous pass dated 22 October 2024 was recorded with no advisories or defects, indicating that the mechanical condition appears to be gradually worsening rather than remaining stable, with multiple wear-related issues emerging in a single test. The two minor wiper blade defects and front tyre wear advisories recorded in 2018 represent older, resolved matters and are not a current concern. With a recorded mileage of 31,325 miles over approximately fourteen years, this FIAT 500 has averaged around 2,238 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical annual usage for a vehicle of this age. Such low mileage suggests the car has either been used very lightly or has spent significant periods standing, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Extended periods of inactivity can accelerate corrosion on undersealed components, promote brake disc corrosion through lack of use, degrade the 12-volt battery due to repeated shallow discharge cycles, and lead to drying or hardening of rubber seals, hoses, and drive belts. Conversely, the relatively low odometer reading means that major drivetrain components such as the engine, manual or automated transmission, and clutch have experienced limited wear, which is generally favourable for longevity provided the vehicle has been properly started and moved on a regular basis. Given the advisory items recorded at the most recent MOT, particular attention should be paid to the front braking system. Binding calipers, even when not deemed excessive at the time of test, tend to worsen progressively and may present on a test drive as uneven braking force, a pulling sensation to one side under deceleration, or excessive heat emanating from the front wheels after use. On inspection, the buyer should check for uneven pad wear, glazed or pitted brake disc surfaces, and any signs of sticking slider pins or seized piston mechanisms. The front inner suspension arm pin or bush wear is similarly progressive and warrants a careful test drive over uneven road surfaces, listening for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension and observing whether the vehicle tracks straight or displays vague, wandering steering behaviour. The rear sub-frame corrosion should be examined closely for any progression beyond surface rust, particularly around mounting points, as continued deterioration could eventually compromise structural integrity. Beyond the recorded advisories, the age and usage profile of this FIAT 500 demands several age-related checks that may not be fully reflected in the MOT history. Tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and any tyre over five or six years old warrants replacement even if legal. The brake discs, having likely experienced prolonged standing periods, may exhibit surface corrosion that can usually be cleaned off through gentle use but in severe cases can lead to juddering under braking. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from premature battery failure due to incomplete charging cycles. Service history verification is strongly recommended, including confirmation of cambelt or timing chain replacement intervals appropriate to the engine variant, as well as time-based replacement of brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox oil, all of which degrade with age irrespective of mileage. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for corrosion at mounting brackets, flex joints, and the rear silencer, areas particularly vulnerable on a city-use vehicle exposed to moisture and road salt.