2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WM65 VFP

The most recent MOT, dated 13 July 2026, resulted in a failure because the nearside rear coil spring was recorded as fractured – a serious safety defect that would have required immediate remedial work before the vehicle could be deemed road‑worthy. Although the same test also produced a pass with several advisories, the presence of a major structural fault overrides the pass status. Over the preceding years the record shows a gradual decline: a clean pass in 2021, isolated advisories in 2022, a failure for worn shock‑absorber bushes and a non‑functioning side repeater in 2023, and now a critical suspension failure in 2026, indicating that the condition of the vehicle’s suspension and related components is deteriorating rather than improving. At 110,414 miles the car averages just over 10 000 miles per annum, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a 2015 model. There are no obvious periods of very low mileage that would suggest prolonged storage, nor any spikes that would point to unusually high annual wear. Consequently the wear observed on the tyres, suspension bushes and coil spring is consistent with its age and mileage, rather than being the result of excessive short‑term abuse. A prospective buyer should treat the fractured nearside rear coil spring as the priority defect. Verify that the spring has been replaced and that the mounting points, subframe and any associated anti‑roll bar are free of cracks or corrosion; a clunk or excessive bounce on the nearside rear when driving over bumps would be a tell‑tale sign of unresolved issues. The front nearside tyre and offside rear tyre are both reported as being close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear, so both should be replaced promptly and the remaining tyres inspected for uneven wear that could indicate lingering suspension mis‑alignment. The minor exhaust leak should be checked for cracks or loose joints, as it can raise emissions, produce a noticeable hissing noise at idle and, if left unchecked, may lead to rust on the under‑body. The side‑repeaters that failed in 2023 must be operational; confirm that all external lights function correctly and that no items have been deliberately removed from the driver’s view to conceal faults. Beyond the specific MOT items, a vehicle of this age should be examined for age‑related degradation. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, especially if the car has spent time standing still. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and verify its cranking voltage, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without sticking – a common issue on cars that sit idle for long periods. Finally, confirm that the service history includes timely oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes, as fluids deteriorate over time irrespective of mileage, and look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, suspension bushes and steering linkage that could compromise structural integrity.