2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WM15 PCV

The most recent MOT recorded on 1 July 2026 resulted in a failure, with major defects noted for the off‑side rear stop lamp, excessive wear on the near‑side rear suspension arm pin or bush, serious fluid leaks from the off‑side front and near‑side rear shock absorbers, and an advisory that the rear tyres are close to the legal tread limit. Although an advisory‑only pass entry is also listed for the same date, the presence of multiple major safety items means the vehicle did not meet the statutory requirements at its latest test. Over the past three years the pattern has moved from advisory‑only concerns to repeated major failures, indicating a clear deterioration in the vehicle’s maintenance and component condition rather than an improvement. At 68,811 miles the Fiat 500 has averaged roughly 6,250 miles per annum since its 2015 registration, which sits comfortably within typical UK usage figures. The mileage does not suggest excessive wear from high mileage alone, but the recurring nature of suspension and tyre advisories implies that the car may have spent extended periods standing still, allowing rubber to perish and bushings to dry out. Such calendar‑age effects can accelerate degradation of elastomeric components irrespective of distance travelled, and the relatively low annual mileage does not offset the need for time‑based replacement of wear items. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front and rear shock absorbers, inspecting for any oil seepage around the damper bodies and checking for reduced damping by feeling for excessive bounce or a “mushy” ride when the car is driven over bumps. The suspension arm pins and bushes on both sides should be examined for play by applying firm pressure to the wheel at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk or noticeable movement indicates the bushings are beyond their service life and will need replacement. The off‑side rear stop lamp must be verified for correct operation, and all rear tyres should be measured for tread depth and inspected for sidewall cracking, as the MOT advisories repeatedly flag them as being close to the legal limit and showing signs of perishing. A thorough visual check of the tyre sidewalls for dry rot, especially given the vehicle’s age, is essential, and the buyer should be prepared to replace both rear tyres and likely all four if the tread is uneven. In addition to the highlighted faults, a comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection should cover the brake system – confirming that the front pads have sufficient thickness and that the discs are free from excessive corrosion or scoring – and the battery, which at eleven years old may have lost capacity even if the mileage is modest. Verify that the service history shows regular oil and coolant changes, as fluid degradation can contribute to the shock absorber leaks already observed. Finally, ensure the vehicle’s under‑body is free from rust, especially around the suspension mounting points, and that the exhaust system is intact with no excessive smoke or rattles, as these are common time‑related issues on low‑mileage, long‑standing cars. Addressing the identified suspension, shock, tyre and lighting defects promptly will be crucial to restoring roadworthiness and avoiding further safety‑related failures.