2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WO17 EFD

The 2017 FIAT 500 presents a stable and recently improving mechanical picture. The most recent test on 21 November 2025 at 39,964 miles produced a clean pass with zero defects recorded, which is a significant turnaround from the advisory-laden tests of previous years. The maintenance trend is clearly resolving. The recurring suspension and tyre issues that plagued the 2022 and 2024 tests appear to have been addressed, suggesting the previous owner invested in corrective work rather than neglecting the vehicle. The mileage profile tells a story of very light use. Covering just 2,116 miles between the November 2024 and November 2025 tests, the annualised rate sits well below 4,500 miles per year across the vehicle's nine-year life. Such low mileage typically reduces wear on consumables and drivetrain components, yet the MOT record reveals a curious pattern of tyre degradation and perishing that does not align with high usage. This suggests the car may have spent extended periods stationary, causing rubber to age and crack rather than wear through use. The near-identical mileage of 39,964 recorded on both the 2025 pass and the current reading raises a flag. It is possible the vehicle has not been driven since the last test, or the mileage reading requires verification against service records and the V5C to rule out a discrepancy or clocking concern. Despite the clean 2025 result, a buyer should physically inspect several areas before committing. The repeated advisories for worn Macpherson strut top mount bushes across 2022 and 2024 tests indicate a known weak point on this model. Even though the 2025 test cleared the suspension, a pothole strike or seasonal temperature change could easily bring back clunking or vague steering if the replacements were budget aftermarket units rather than OEM-spec parts. The multiple tyre advisories for cracking, perishing, and exposed ply across 2022 to 2024, combined with the low mileage, strongly suggest the current tyres may be the original or near-original set now well past their safe service life regardless of remaining tread depth. A buyer should check the date codes on all four tyres and budget for a full set if they read five years or older. Brake and exhaust condition deserve a close look given the car's standing history. Low-mileage city cars frequently suffer from binding calipers and corroded brake discs caused by short trips and prolonged parking rather than high-speed wear. The tester flagged no brake defects in 2025, but surface corrosion can develop within weeks of a stationary period. The exhaust system and underbody should be inspected for corrosion, particularly around mounting points and flexi-joints, as a vehicle that has sat idle may not have benefited from the heat cycles that help drive moisture away from vulnerable metalwork. A short test drive over rough surfaces will quickly reveal whether the front suspension is genuinely quiet or merely between failure intervals.