2014 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · WR64 OOU

This 2014 Fiat 500 presents a largely unblemished DVSA record across its testing history, with a clean pass on 29 January 2026 following an unexplained failure recorded just six days earlier on 23 January 2026. While the DVSA log shows no defects or advisories on either entry, a back-to-back fail and pass with no recorded reasons can point to either a minor rectifiable item that was addressed quickly or, less commonly, a tester discrepancy. Notably, the same pattern repeats two years earlier, with a fail on 21 December 2023 immediately followed by a pass on 22 December 2023, again with no defects logged. This dual occurrence of rapid retests without advisories warrants a degree of caution and warrants specific questions to the seller about what exactly was remedied, or alternatively, confirmation that the original fail was a procedural or administrative matter rather than a mechanical defect. With 94,196 miles recorded over twelve years, this Fiat 500 averages roughly 7,850 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a city-focused supermini of this vintage. The mileage progression appears steady rather than concentrated in short bursts, suggesting consistent use rather than long periods of standing or, conversely, high-intensity motorway mileage. Given the modest annual accumulation, mechanical wear on major drivetrain components is likely proportionate to usage rather than excessive, although a 94,000-mile Fiat 500 will naturally have accrued wear on its suspension linkages, clutch assembly, and braking components that warrants physical inspection rather than relying solely on the clean MOT record. The gap between the 2023 tests and the 2025 test reflects standard annual scheduling, with no prolonged absence from the road that would raise concerns about dormant corrosion or perished rubber components. For a prospective buyer, the absence of recorded advisories is encouraging but not conclusive, particularly given the unexplained retest failures. On inspection, pay particular attention to the rear suspension and trailing arms, which are a known weak point on this platform and can exhibit cracking or distortion at this mileage; bounce each corner firmly and listen for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or drop links. The braking system should be tested under both light and firm pedal pressure to detect any judder suggesting warped front discs, a common issue on higher-mileage city cars subjected to repeated stop-start cycles, and the handbrake should hold the vehicle on a steep incline without creeping. Steering should remain precise without vibration through the wheel, which can point to worn front wheel bearings or track rod ends, and any pulling to one side under braking should be investigated immediately. During the test drive, listen carefully for any rattles from the exhaust or underside that could indicate a failing mount or heat shield, and check for visible blue smoke from the exhaust on start-up, which would suggest oil consumption issues consistent with a higher-mileage 1.2-litre petrol unit. The clutch should engage smoothly without slipping under hard acceleration in fourth or fifth gear, and any judder or noise on engagement may indicate a worn release bearing or pressure plate. Given the recurring pattern of unrecorded retest failures, it is worth requesting documentation from the seller confirming what work was carried out between the December 2023 and January 2026 fail events, or arranging a pre-purchase inspection at a Fiat specialist or independent garage who can physically assess the undercarriage, suspension geometry, and structural condition in detail before committing to purchase.