2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WM66 GXT

The most recent DVSA examination on 31 October 2025 resulted in a pass, but only after a failed attempt one week earlier on 24 October 2025 that recorded two major defects. The intervening week was clearly used to remedy a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, which falls under the strict end-of-series 5.2.3 (h) major category, and to address a nearside front brake disc that was deemed significantly and obviously worn under item 1.1.14 (a) (i). Both advisories recorded at the failure test were carried through to the subsequent pass, indicating that the underlying issues had either been accepted as items to watch or were not fully rectified. Looking back across the documented history, this represents the first cluster of mechanical concerns since the vehicle entered MOT eligibility, with clean passes in 2021, 2022, and 2024, meaning the overall trend is one of a sudden deterioration rather than chronic neglect. A buyer should treat the late 2025 result as a clear signal that the brake and tyre systems have now entered a phase where active maintenance is required. Against the nine years since registration, the recorded mileage of 40,098 equates to an annualised figure of roughly 4,455 miles, which is considerably below average for a city-orientated supermini of this type. The MOT records corroborate very light usage, with no more than a handful of thousand miles accumulated between consecutive annual tests in some years. While low mileage reduces wear on high-stress components such as the clutch, engine internals, and drivetrain, prolonged standing periods bring their own well-documented concerns. Brake discs can corrode and develop a lip on the friction surface even when pads retain material, caliper slide pins and pistons can seize or bind from lack of movement, and coolant, automatic transmission fluid where applicable, and brake fluid will degrade on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. The advisories carried forward from the 2025 test warrant close physical inspection. The offside front and nearside front tyres were noted as cracking and worn on the inside edge, and the offside rear outer sidewall was recorded as cracking. These observations strongly suggest a combination of age-related rubber perishing, which is common on low-mileage vehicles kept under cover or infrequently used, together with possible suspension geometry misalignment that is pulling the front wheels inwards. A prospective buyer should measure the tread depth across the full width of each front tyre, not just the centre, to confirm whether the inner shoulder wear is indeed pronounced, and inspect the sidewalls for visible crazing or hairline fissures that indicate the rubber has hardened. On a test drive, listen for any clunking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps, particularly from worn anti-roll bar bushes or top mount bearings, and pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking that might suggest a sticking caliper given the vehicle's low usage pattern. The nearside front brake disc replacement recorded as a major at failure should be verified by inspecting the disc surface directly; a new or recently machined disc will appear bright and unworn around the outer edge, and the caliper should retract cleanly without binding. Beyond the items specifically recorded, several time-since-manufacture checks are appropriate for a 2017 Fiat 500 approaching nine years of age. The 12-volt battery is a known wear item on Fiat 500s and should be tested for cranking voltage and state of charge, as a failing battery can also trigger false tyre pressure monitoring warnings due to voltage instability. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and should be renewed at least every two years regardless of mileage, so the service history should be examined to confirm this has been performed; if undocumented, it is a sensible precautionary replacement. The coolant should likewise be checked for condition and concentration, as prolonged neglect accelerates internal corrosion in the aluminium components typical of this model. Exhaust mounting rubbers, the rear subframe mounting bushes, and the front lower wishbone bushes are all items to inspect for cracking or deterioration from age rather than mileage, and the underbody should be examined for any standing corrosion, particularly around the rear axle area where road salt accumulates. Finally, a thorough road test should include firm braking from around 40 mph to confirm there is no judder or vibration, which would confirm whether the nearside front disc replacement was carried out correctly, and the steering should be checked for any notchiness around the straight-ahead position that could indicate a worn steering column bearing or top mount.