2012 Fiat 500 0.9L Petrol · WN12 FWA

The most recent MOT on 18 June 2026 was recorded as a pass, albeit with an advisory noting a minor leak from the near‑side rear exhaust silencer. This follows a failure recorded just nine days earlier on 9 June 2026 where the vehicle was deemed unsafe due to fractured rear axles on both sides and major headlamp faults. The intervening pass indicates that the critical axle fractures and headlamp issues were apparently remedied, but the persistence of the exhaust leak advisory suggests that not all remedial work may have been fully addressed. Over the preceding years the MOT record shows a pattern of advisory‑only findings, with the occasional corrosion‑related note, implying that while the vehicle has required attention, the severity of defects has escalated recently and the maintenance trend is therefore mixed – recent serious safety defects have been corrected, yet recurring minor faults remain. At 104 415 miles the car has logged an average of roughly 7 500 miles per annum since its 2012 registration, a usage rate that sits comfortably within typical UK private‑owner expectations. There are no evident large mileage gaps in the recorded history, suggesting the car has been driven fairly consistently rather than being subject to long periods of storage. This moderate annual mileage means that wear on consumables such as brake discs, tyres and suspension components will be present but not excessive, although the age of the vehicle means calendar‑based degradation must also be considered. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear axle assemblies, even though the recent MOT passed. Listen for clunking or knocking from the rear during acceleration, deceleration and when passing bumps, and feel for any vibration or shudder that could indicate residual axle fatigue or imperfect repair. Inspect the exhaust system for signs of soot or carbon build‑up around the near‑side rear silencer and verify that the leak is sealed – a persistent leak can raise emissions, increase cabin noise and, if the corrosion is advanced, lead to rust perforation of the pipe. The suspension arm corrosion noted in 2025 and the slight play in the anti‑roll‑bar ball joints reported in 2023 merit a visual check of the rear sub‑frame and front anti‑roll bar bushings for pitting, cracking or excessive movement; any play may manifest as a vague clunk on uneven surfaces. Front brake discs were flagged as pitted in 2023; examine the discs for deep scoring or uneven wear and test the brakes for any pulsation or reduced pedal feel. The wheel distortion advisories from 2020 should be confirmed by rotating the wheels by hand to ensure they are true and by checking that tyre sidewalls are free of bulges, cracks or dry‑rot, especially given the vehicle’s age. Beyond the specific items above, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive age‑related inspection. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, checking for corrosion on terminals and confirming it holds charge under load, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Inspect all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and note the dates of the last changes; fluids degrade over time even with low mileage and can cause premature wear. Examine the under‑carriage for rust on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, as prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion. Finally, ensure the headlamps are securely mounted and correctly aligned, as the 2026 failure highlighted insecure mounting and incorrect beam aim; a mis‑aimed headlamp can reduce night‑time visibility and is a safety concern. A thorough test drive that includes steady cruising, gentle braking, and a short ride over a speed bump will help reveal any lingering issues before purchase.