2010 Fiat Punto 1.4L Petrol · WM10 OCB

A clear pattern of recurring lighting and exhaust faults defines this Fiat Punto's MOT record, with two dangerous stop lamp failures in 2023 and 2025 bookending the testing history, alongside an escalating exhaust concern that culminated in a major CO failure on the most recent test. The 2025-06-18 entry shows the vehicle initially failed on dangerous stop lamps and high carbon monoxide emissions before passing the same day after rectification, with advisories noting a corroded rear coil spring, an oil leak, and a tyre nail. Prior to that, the 2023 dangerous failure involved all rear stop lamps and three direction indicators showing incorrect colour, suggesting persistent electrical and bulb-housing deterioration rather than isolated incidents. Across six recorded tests since 2020, advisories on exhaust leaks have appeared in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, indicating a progressive degradation of the exhaust system that has now reached a point where emissions have exceeded manufacturer limits. The trajectory is one of gradual worsening in both lighting integrity and exhaust condition, with the 2025 test confirming that age-related wear is actively progressing. With 113,465 miles recorded over approximately sixteen years, this Punto has averaged around 7,000 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and segment. The testing continuity from 2020 through 2025 shows no extended gaps off the road, with annual mileage increments of roughly 8,000 to 12,000 miles between tests, suggesting consistent rather than sporadic use. While this level of accumulation is not excessive, it is sufficient to bring consumables, suspension components, and engine seals into the wear band where recurring advisories become expected. The persistence of an oil leak advisory across 2023, 2024, and 2025 indicates a long-standing seep rather than a transient issue, and combined with the gearbox oil leak noted in 2023, points to typical high-mileage drivetrain sealing degradation. A prospective buyer should treat the rear lighting system as a priority inspection area, checking all stop lamps, tail lamps, and direction indicators for correct operation, lens clarity, and correct bulb colour, as the dual dangerous failures in 2023 and 2025 suggest a recurring fault rather than a one-off rectification. On test drive, pay close attention to brake light activation under both light and firm pedal pressure, and verify that all four indicators flash amber rather than displaying any pink or white discolouration from aged housings. The rear coil spring corrosion flagged in 2025 warrants a physical inspection of the nearside rear spring for visible flaking, section loss, or cracking, and the vehicle should be listened to over speed humps and uneven surfaces for any clonking or harsh impacts that would indicate a fractured spring. The front wheel bearing play advisory from 2024 should be rechecked by rocking each front wheel at the top and bottom to detect any rotational notchiness or looseness, particularly under load. Given the exhaust system's documented decline from minor leaks in 2021 through to a major CO exceedance in 2025, a cold-start inspection is essential, listening for any ticking, blowing, or hissing from the exhaust manifold, downpipe, and rear box, and checking for soot deposits around joints. The persistent oil leak should be inspected from underneath with a torch, looking for fresh accumulation on the sump, cam cover, or oil filter housing, and the engine bay should be examined for any signs of recent degreasing that might mask a heavier leak than the advisory suggests. Brake pedal feel should be tested on the road, as the 2022 advisory noted front disc wear, and any judder or pulsing under braking would indicate the discs have now reached the replacement threshold. Finally, verify that the dashboard warning light flagged in 2023 has been properly diagnosed and resolved, requesting evidence of any diagnostic work undertaken, as an unresolved warning light can mask underlying engine management or sensor faults that would not be apparent without a live diagnostic scan.