2014 Fiat Panda 1.2L Petrol · WP14 TGV

The 2014 Fiat Panda presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 24 February 2026 at 66,787 miles, passed but flagged three advisories that signal deferred attention. A central front exhaust mounting is defective, both rear coil springs show corrosion, and an oil leak is present at the sump, though not yet deemed excessive. These are not immediate failures, but the coil spring corrosion is a structural concern that warrants close inspection, particularly given the vehicle's age. The trend is not clearly worsening, as the previous two tests in 2024 and 2025 were clean, but the reappearance of advisories after a period of defect-free testing suggests the current owner may be allowing minor issues to accumulate rather than addressing them proactively. The mileage pattern tells a story of very light use. At roughly 5,566 miles per year over twelve years, this is well below the UK average. The record shows a notable gap between June 2023 at 48,401 miles and June 2024 at 57,972 miles, representing nearly 10,000 miles added in a single year after a period of slower accumulation. The jump from 57,972 miles in June 2024 to 59,804 miles by February 2025 is modest, and the subsequent climb to 66,787 miles by February 2026 indicates a return to slightly heavier use. The 2024 test itself is interesting: a failure on 25 June for an excessively worn offside rear shock absorber bush was retested and passed on the same day, suggesting a swift repair. That single suspension advisory aside, the record is largely clean, with only a minor front brake disc advisory noted in June 2023. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the rear suspension and underside. The corroded rear coil springs are the most significant finding. Surface corrosion can hide deeper pitting that compromises spring integrity and ride height, and replacement involves removing the struts, so labour costs add up. Check whether the corrosion is superficial or flaking, and look for any sag or uneven ride height. The defective central exhaust mounting should be examined for movement or fracture, as a failed mount increases exhaust stress and can lead to cracking down the system. The sump oil leak needs monitoring; determine whether it is a seep from a gasket or a more serious weep that will require a sump reseal. The front brake disc advisory from 2023 did not recur, but it is worth verifying pad and disc condition given the mileage. The shock absorber bush failure in 2024 was rectified, yet a bounce test and a check for uneven tyre wear will confirm the rear dampers are still functioning correctly. Low-mileage vehicles can suffer from deteriorated rubber components and corroded metalwork caused by long periods standing rather than use, so hoses, bushes, and brake lines deserve careful scrutiny. Overall, the Panda is roadworthy, but the combination of corroded springs and an active oil leak points to a vehicle that needs attentive ownership going forward.