2010 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · WN60 VCJ

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 29 June 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning and appears to be deteriorating. While the 2022 inspection was entirely clean, subsequent years have seen a steady increase in the number and variety of advisories. The transition from simple lighting faults to more significant mechanical concerns, such as corroded suspension components and persistent fluid leaks, suggests a shift toward reactive rather than preventative maintenance. With 123,343 recorded miles over a sixteen year period, the vehicle has averaged approximately 7,709 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a city car of this vintage. While the mileage is not excessive, it is high enough that wear on primary consumables and drivetrain components is expected. The consistency of the mileage suggests the car has been used regularly rather than left to stand, which generally helps maintain seal integrity, though the recent appearance of a recurring oil leak suggests the engine is now entering a phase of increased wear. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the chassis and running gear. The recurring advisories regarding tyre wear on the edges, combined with previous notes of play in the front top strut mounts, strongly indicate a need for a full four wheel alignment and a thorough inspection of the steering geometry. During a test drive, listen for clunks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would suggest the previously noted strut mount play or the corroded rear coil springs have progressed to failure. The pitting and scoring of the nearside front brake disc should be verified; feel for any shuddering through the brake pedal under moderate deceleration, which indicates warped or heavily degraded discs. The persistent advisory for an oil leak across multiple MOT tests requires immediate investigation to determine if the source is a simple gasket failure or a more significant engine seal issue. Check the engine bay for fresh residue and monitor the oil level closely. Additionally, the minor exhaust leak noted in the latest test may manifest as a slight rasp or drone during acceleration; this should be inspected for corrosion at the joints or manifold. Given the age and mileage, the buyer must verify the service history to ensure the timing belt and water pump have been replaced according to the manufacturer's intervals, as these are critical failure points for this engine.