2010 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · WN10 WMA

The Fiat Panda’s most recent MOT test on 2025-11-21 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy at 153,552 miles, though the history reveals a concerning pattern of suspension and structural failures. The absence of defects in the latest pass is misleading—it masks a recurring issue with rear coil springs, which failed catastrophically in November 2023, and persistent anti-roll bar joint wear dating back to 2022. While the 2024 and 2025 tests flagged only minor play in the offside front anti-roll bar joint, the 2023 failure of both rear springs indicates a critical weakness in the suspension’s load-bearing capacity. The 2022 advisory on the near-side front anti-roll bar pin or bush suggests this was not addressed before the 2023 failure, implying either deferred maintenance or a lack of proper inspection. The trend is worsening rather than stable, with no evidence of corrective action for the most serious faults. Mileage progression suggests the vehicle has been driven consistently, averaging around 9,600 miles annually—a typical rate for a car of this age. The gaps between tests are standard (12 months), but the jump from 143,385 to 149,486 miles between the 2023 failure and the 2024 pass (6,101 miles) hints at the owner operating the car despite a major suspension defect. The 2022 to 2023 interval (4,483 miles) was similarly low, which may reflect either cautious driving after the 2022 advisories or a delay in addressing them. There is no evidence of prolonged inactivity, so wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components should be expected. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the rear suspension, particularly the coil springs and associated mountings, given the 2023 failure. The anti-roll bar joints—both front and rear—demand close examination for excessive play or wear, as the 2022 and 2024 advisories indicate a chronic issue. The 2023 failure of both rear springs simultaneously raises questions about structural fatigue or manufacturing defects, so visual inspection for corrosion at the spring attachment points and frame rails is essential. Front suspension bushes, especially the anti-roll bar linkages, should be checked for dryness or cracking, while the brakes—though not explicitly failed—may show uneven wear if the vehicle was driven after the 2023 suspension defect. Finally, the 2023 advisory about the near-side front position lamp suggests electrical or wiring issues could persist, warranting a quick test of all lighting and signaling functions.