2016 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · WN16 EXU

A clear pattern of front brake wear dominates the MOT history of this 2016 FIAT PANDA, with recurring advisories across the last three tests pointing to thin pads and pitted or corroded front brake discs and drums. The 2026 test passed on 17 March with advisories on both nearside and offside front brake pads noted as wearing thin, alongside matching advisories for both front brake drums showing pitting and scoring, with inner disc surface corrosion also recorded. A minor defect was issued for reduced light intensity from the nearside rear position lamp due to discolouration of the light unit. The 2025 test similarly flagged front brake disc wear and thin front pads, while the 2024 test again noted front brake disc wear alongside front tyres worn close to the legal limit and rear tyres showing perishing and cracking. Earlier tests from 2023 recorded a worn rear bush on the nearside front lower suspension arm, though the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 tests passed with no defects recorded. The recent trajectory therefore reflects a brake and tyre condition profile that has been gradually accumulating advisories rather than resolving, consistent with a vehicle of its age beginning to show consumable wear. Against an age of approximately ten years, the recorded mileage of 23,805 miles equates to an average of around 2,380 miles annually, which is notably low. This rate of accumulation suggests either limited regular use or extended periods of standing between journeys. Such a usage pattern is mechanically relevant because low annual mileage can allow standing-related deterioration to set in, particularly corrosion on brake components, which aligns with the pitting, scoring, and surface corrosion flagged on the front discs and drums. Rubber components such as tyres, suspension bushes, and flexible elements also tend to harden and perish faster when a vehicle is not used regularly, which is consistent with the tyre cracking and perishing advisories recorded in 2024. The low mileage does, however, limit wear on drivetrain components, which would be expected to show relatively little mechanical fatigue. Given the persistent front brake advisories across three consecutive tests, particular attention should be paid to the braking system during a test drive. Expect to feel for any pedal judder under firm application, which would confirm the disc corrosion and pitting flagged in the advisories, and listen for any scraping or grinding noises from the front wheels indicative of pads approaching the caliper backing plates. The front brake drums flagged as pitted and scored in the latest test should prompt a visual inspection of the inner friction surfaces, as severe corrosion here can lead to uneven braking or wheel judder on light pedal application. The worn nearside front lower suspension arm rear bush advisory from 2023 should also be revisited, as bushes that were noted as worn three years ago may now have progressed, so listen for knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle that would indicate deteriorated bush geometry. The tyre condition warrants close physical inspection of all four corners, particularly looking for cracking in the sidewalls and tread blocks consistent with age-related perishing rather than simply tread depth, as the 2024 advisories noted perishing on both rear tyres. The nearside rear position lamp showing reduced intensity should be checked for the underlying cause, which may be a failing bulb, corroded contacts within the light unit, or earth connection issues rather than solely lens discolouration, as this will affect roadworthiness on any subsequent test. Finally, given the low annual mileage, it is sensible to verify that the vehicle has been started and run regularly, as extended standing periods can lead to stale brake fluid, a discharged 12V battery, dried seals, and flat-spotted tyres, all of which would warrant confirmation before purchase.