2009 Fiat 500 1.2L Diesel · WP59 FVL

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend in suspension and braking component degradation. While the most recent test in July 2025 at 41,835 miles passed, it carried multiple advisories regarding deteriorated ball joint dust covers and worn lower arm bushes. These issues represent a progression from the June 2024 test, where the ball joint covers were first flagged, indicating that rubber-based components are failing due to age despite the low annual mileage. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 41,835 miles is exceptionally low, averaging only about 2,500 miles per year. This low usage profile explains the presence of age-related failures such as the perishing tyres noted in both 2024 and 2025, and the rust fatigue on the exhaust system. However, long periods of inactivity often lead to surface corrosion on brake discs and the hardening of rubber, which is consistent with the pitting and scoring observed on the front discs recorded in the 2024 test. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension to ensure the ball joints and lower arm bushes have been replaced since the July 2025 test. The recurring nature of these advisories suggests the previous owner deferred preventative maintenance until failure became imminent. Additionally, the exhaust back box should be inspected for structural integrity, as the thinning metal was noted back in 2022 and led to a failure in 2023. The tyres should also be checked for sidewall cracking, as the record indicates the rubber is reaching the end of life regardless of tread depth.