2017 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WP67 EHU

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2025-08-01, with only a minor defect noted — light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber. While this is not a failure, it signals early wear or seal degradation, and given the proximity of the next test window, it warrants monitoring. The maintenance trend is neither clearly worsening nor improving; it is stable in terms of overall pass rates, but the recurring suspension-related issues suggest a pattern of component fatigue rather than active neglect. No structural or critical safety defects have appeared in the last three tests, which is reassuring. The mileage profile is notably low for a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging just under 3,000 miles annually. The jump from 13,850 miles in 2021 to 20,157 in 2023, then to 24,216 in 2024, and finally 26,137 in 2025, indicates consistent but modest usage. There are no signs of sudden mileage spikes or long periods of inactivity, which supports the notion of gentle, regular use. The absence of major defects in the 2023 and 2021 tests further reinforces that the car has been maintained to a basic standard, though not necessarily with premium attention to wear items. Buyers should inspect the front and rear shock absorbers closely, as both sides have shown signs of wear or casing damage in separate tests — the offside front in 2025, the offside rear in 2022. These components are critical for ride quality and handling, and their repeated mention suggests they may be nearing replacement. The nearside and offside rear tyres were flagged for cracking in 2024, which is a wear-related defect, not a structural failure, but indicates the car has not had its rubber components replaced in a timely manner. Tyre condition should be verified in person, as uneven wear or age-related cracking can compromise safety. Structural integrity appears sound, with no corrosion or frame-related defects recorded. The brake system has not shown binding or excessive wear in recent tests, though the suspension components are the primary concern. A buyer should also check the brake discs and pads for thickness, and confirm that the rear calipers are not binding — a common issue in older Fiats that can lead to uneven braking if ignored. Overall, the car is mechanically sound for its age and mileage, but the pattern of suspension wear and tyre degradation suggests it is approaching the point where routine component replacement will be necessary to maintain safety and performance.