2009 Fiat Grande Punto 1.4L Petrol · WM09 UES

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT in February 2024, although this followed a failure and left the car with advisories regarding a minor exhaust leak and worn rear tyres. Looking at the wider history, the maintenance trend appears reactive rather than proactive, characterized by a consistent pattern of failing on basic items such as lighting, wipers, and washer fluid before subsequent passes. This suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a minimum legal standard rather than being subject to a rigorous preventative service regime. With a recorded mileage of 91,687 miles over seventeen years, the car has averaged approximately 5,393 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, which implies the vehicle has spent considerable time stationary or has been used for very short journeys. While low mileage reduces general drivetrain wear, it often introduces specific risks such as the degradation of rubber components, the accumulation of moisture in the exhaust system, and the potential for brake components to seize or corrode due to lack of regular use. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the tyres and suspension. The MOT history shows a recurring theme of tyres worn on the edges and tread depth failures, which often indicates incorrect wheel alignment or worn suspension bushes. During a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds over uneven surfaces, which could point to further deterioration of the Macpherson struts or anti-roll bar linkages. Additionally, the reported exhaust leak should be investigated; listen for an abnormal drone or hissing sound from the rear of the vehicle, as this may indicate the onset of more significant corrosion in the exhaust piping. Given the vehicle age and low annual usage, a physical inspection of all rubber seals and tyre sidewalls is essential to check for perishing or weather cracking. You should also inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or pitting and ensure the calipers are not binding, which is common in cars that stand for long periods. Finally, verify the service history to ensure engine oil and coolant have been changed based on time intervals rather than mileage alone, and test the 12V battery health to ensure it has not been prematurely degraded by infrequent charging cycles.