2014 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WN64 PLV

The MOT history for this twelve-year-old Fiat 500 presents an unusual pattern of clean test outcomes punctuated by failures on the same dates as the passes, suggesting retest work between recorded entries. The most recent interaction with DVSA on 3 September 2025 resulted in both a pass and a fail recorded on that single day, which strongly implies an initial failure was rectified and immediately retested to a pass. The same pattern occurred on 23 August 2024, again with a fail on the 20th followed by a pass three days later. While there are no advisories or defects listed in any of the recorded entries, the recurring same-day or near-immediate retest sequence points to borderline defects being identified and addressed each year. Mechanically, this is a mixed signal: the vehicle has demonstrably passed its roadworthiness examinations, but the frequency of initial failures warrants closer physical inspection. With 79,576 miles accumulated over twelve years, the Fiat 500 has covered an average of roughly 6,631 miles annually, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a city-oriented supermini of this age. There are no significant discontinuities in the recorded mileage, indicating the car has been in continuous use rather than laid up for extended periods. This level of annual mileage suggests moderate but consistent wear on consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch material, though nothing that should be considered excessive. The steady accumulation rate also implies regular fluid changes and servicing intervals, which is favourable for a small-capacity petrol unit. Buyers should still verify the continuity of service history independently, since MOT records alone do not confirm interim maintenance was carried out. Given that every recorded MOT entry shows no advisories and no defect categories, there is no specific component flagged in the official history to direct a targeted mechanical inspection towards. Nonetheless, the repeated pattern of initial failures followed by immediate retest passes means a thorough physical examination is warranted before purchase. On a test drive, pay particular attention to the braking system by checking for pulling to one side under firm pedal application, which can indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, a common wear point on superminis of this era, particularly around the front wishbones and anti-roll bar bushes. Steering should feel precise without excessive play or vibration through the wheel, and the clutch should engage smoothly without slipping under acceleration in higher gears. Because the official record carries no recorded advisories, there is no documented corrosion to subframes, brake pipes, or suspension mounting points, but Fiat 500s of this generation are known for developing surface corrosion on rear axle assemblies and underfloor sections, particularly in areas subjected to winter road salt. Inspect the exhaust system for signs of corrosion or blowing joints, as original equipment systems on these cars often show deterioration by this age and mileage. Check for any oil misting or seepage around the engine and gearbox casings, and verify that all warning lights extinguish promptly after ignition. Finally, confirm the precise nature of the two recorded same-day retests by reviewing any retained paperwork, as understanding what specifically failed and how it was remedied offers the clearest indication of the vehicle's current mechanical state beyond what the bare DVSA entries reveal.