2013 Fiat 500 L 1.6L Diesel · WM63 EXK

The defining feature of this Fiat 500 L's MOT record is a persistent and now worsening issue surrounding the front suspension arm pin or bush and the rear axle swivel pins and bushes. These items were first raised as advisories back in March 2024 on both front lower arms and the nearside rear axle, recurred in March 2025, and culminated in a Major failure in March 2025 for an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm pin or bush along with a significantly worn front brake disc. The latest test on 21 March 2026 returned a Pass, but the pattern across three consecutive annual examinations strongly indicates ongoing wear in the lower suspension linkages rather than a one-off defect. The 2026 test also produced a fail sheet for headlamp aim being too low on both sides, which is a relatively straightforward adjustment but worth confirming has been corrected to a satisfactory setting. With 104,489 miles recorded over roughly 13 years, the vehicle is accumulating around 8,000 miles annually, a typical rate for a small city-oriented Fiat used as a daily runabout. This mileage is consistent with steady commuter and urban use, and there are no extended gaps in the testing history suggesting the car has been off the road for long periods. Mechanically, this level of use explains the wear pattern observed in the suspension components, as the 500 L is known to be sensitive to the condition of its front lower arm bushes and rear axle swivel pins under continuous urban and B-road driving. The recent advisory for nearside front tyre wearing on the inner edge also ties into this, as worn suspension geometry frequently accelerates uneven tyre wear. For a prospective buyer, the priority is to physically verify the state of the front lower suspension arms, rear axle bushes, and the front brake discs and pads. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and kerb impacts, particularly from the nearside, and pay attention to any vagueness or wandering in the steering that suggests the bushes have deteriorated beyond the advisory threshold. The brake pedal should feel firm without any judder or pulsation under firm application, as the 2025 failure for a significantly worn front disc means any residual lateral run-out or thickness variation will be felt through the pedal. Also inspect the nearside front tyre closely for uneven inner-edge wear, and confirm whether the front headlamp aim has been correctly set since the 2026 fail. Beyond the suspension and braking concerns, this Fiat has shown no advisories relating to corrosion, exhaust integrity, or structural components, which is reassuring for a 13-year-old vehicle. The 2024 advisory for tyre damage and perishing on the nearside rear should be checked to ensure replacement was carried out. Given the recurring nature of the suspension advisories and the 2025 Major failure, it would be prudent to budget for replacement front suspension arms, rear axle swivel pins and bushes, and a fresh set of front brake discs and pads, even if the car currently feels solid on the road. A pre-purchase inspection on a ramp or over a pit by an independent technician would be highly advisable to confirm the current state of the lower arms and rear axle bushes before committing to the purchase.