2018 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WP18 AFZ

This 2018 FIAT 500 presents a stable and improving maintenance trend, culminating in a clean pass on 27 May 2025 at 56,286 miles with zero defects recorded. That result is significant. The previous test on 28 May 2024 at 46,554 miles had failed on four separate items, including dangerously worn front brake discs, a structural tyre bulge on the nearside front, a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, and a worn offside rear shock absorber bush. Every single one of those defects was rectified before the retest just one day later, and none of them has reappeared in the subsequent twelve months. The vehicle has effectively gone from a multi-point failure to a completely clean bill of health, which suggests the previous owner addressed the issues properly rather than simply patching them through. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for an eight-year-old city car. The vehicle covered approximately 9,732 miles between the May 2024 and May 2025 tests, up from the 9,168 miles recorded between May 2023 and May 2024. Both figures sit close to the annualised average of roughly 7,000 miles, with a modest uptick in the most recent year. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record that would raise concerns about clocking or prolonged storage. The annual test dates have been consistently held in late May each year, indicating a regular and predictable ownership pattern. Despite the clean 2025 result, a buyer should still inspect the front brake discs and pads carefully. The vehicle failed on dangerously worn discs in May 2024 and had advisories for worn pads and discs in both May 2023 tests, meaning braking components have been a recurring area of concern across three consecutive test cycles. Check for uneven disc scoring, lipping, and pad thickness, particularly if the recent replacement parts are budget aftermarket items rather than OEM-specification components. The nearside front tyre also failed in May 2024 with a structural bulge caused by internal separation, a defect that can recur if the wheel has alignment or suspension geometry issues. Have the front suspension, tracking, and wheel balance inspected, and examine the inner sidewalls of all four tyres for any signs of bulging or deformation. The worn offside rear shock absorber bush flagged in both the May 2024 failure and retest also warrants a physical check. While it did not reappear in 2025, a worn bush can indicate the damper itself is approaching the end of its service life, especially on a small city car that frequently encounters potholes and speed bumps. Listen for knocking or clunking from the rear over rough surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that could point to deteriorating suspension components. The deteriorated rear registration plate noted in 2024 is a minor cosmetic item but worth confirming it remains legible. Overall, the MOT record shows a vehicle that was poorly maintained through mid-2023 to mid-2024 but has since been brought up to a reasonable standard. A thorough test drive and independent inspection will confirm whether that improvement is lasting or cosmetic.