2014 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WM64 WCL

The most recent DVSA examination on 12 January 2026 resulted in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, and this clean outcome follows two further pass entries from 2025 and 2024. The historical record however reveals a notable cluster of suspension-related advisories and failures centred on the 2022 and 2023 test cycles, indicating that the vehicle likely underwent suspension rectification work during that period. The rear shock absorbers showed progressive fluid misting in 2021 and 2022 before culminating in a serious fluid leak and worn top bushes at the offside and nearside in January 2023, accompanied by a collapsed front suspension arm bush on the offside. The fact that subsequent tests have been entirely clean suggests that these components were replaced rather than left to deteriorate further, which is a positive indicator provided the work was carried out professionally using quality parts. The maintenance picture can therefore be characterised as stable but with a clearly resolved historical suspension concern that warrants verification. The recorded mileage of 73,237 miles over an approximate twelve year service life equates to around 6,103 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a small city-oriented Fiat 500 of this age, though it sits at the lower end of average utilisation. The MOT history does not disclose individual annual mileages, but the relatively low annual average suggests the car may have seen periods of standing, particularly given its likely role as a second or urban runabout. Lower annual mileage tends to reduce wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch and gearbox, but conversely elevates the risk of corrosion seizing on brake calipers, deterioration of rubber components through lack of use, and degradation of lubricants and coolants purely through age rather than mileage accumulation. For a prospective buyer, the principal areas of physical inspection should focus on confirming the integrity of the suspension work that appears to have been completed around 2023. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning or traversing speed humps, which could indicate perished or worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes or track rod ends rather than the specific arm bushes flagged previously. Inspect all four shock absorber bodies for fresh signs of oil misting or wetness around the top mountings, and check the rear top bushes for splitting or excessive play by pushing down firmly on each rear corner with the vehicle stationary. Uneven or excessive tyre wear, particularly inner-edge wear on the fronts, can also betray worn suspension geometry components and should prompt a closer examination of the tracking and bush condition. Given the relatively low annual mileage and the vehicle's age, a number of time-based rather than mileage-based degradation factors merit close attention. Tyres fitted to a low-mileage car are often the original items and may exhibit sidewall perishing or cracking from twelve years of UV exposure and ozone damage, so inspect the sidewalls closely for hairline cracks and verify the manufacturing date code on each tyre. Brake discs on a rarely-driven vehicle frequently corrode on the inner and outer faces where the friction surface meets the hub, and seized caliper slide pins are common, so test for smooth rolling when released from a standstill and listen for any scraping or grinding. Verify the age and condition of the 12V battery, as units over five years old are vulnerable to failure, and confirm whether the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been renewed on a calendar basis irrespective of the odometer reading, since brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should be replaced every two years. Finally, request evidence of the suspension parts replaced after the 2023 failure, ideally in the form of invoices, and check the service book for consistent stamping to corroborate the otherwise clean recent MOT history.