2018 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · WX68 LDZ

A pattern of front axle and braking component wear has defined the mechanical history of this Abarth 595, with the most recent test on 7 January 2026 returning a clean pass but the 2024 cycle revealing the limits of its consumables. The December 2024 test failed on two Majors: mismatched front tyre sizes fitted across the same axle, and excessive wear or free play in the offside front Macpherson strut top bush or bearing. Both front and rear brake discs were also noted as pitted and scored to an advisory level, and the exhaust back box was flagged for corrosion. By the January 2026 pass, no defects were recorded, suggesting remedial work was carried out on the suspension top mount and tyres at minimum, but the brake disc advisories from late 2024 raise a question as to whether replacement was performed or whether the discs have continued to deteriorate unmonitored across the intervening year. With 36,766 miles recorded over the vehicle's eight-year life, the annual accumulation of around 4,596 miles is markedly low for a car of this type. While the engine, turbocharger and drivetrain have thus experienced relatively modest mechanical load, low annual mileage in this sector frequently points to short journeys and extended periods of stationary storage, which can bring their own concerns. Coolant, oil and brake fluid will all degrade through age rather than mileage, and the single-year gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests is the only meaningful interval on file, meaning the brakes, tyres and suspension components flagged in December 2024 had accumulated wear over what may have been a relatively sedentary couple of years. The Macpherson strut top mount failure is the most significant historical defect and warrants direct inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly speed bumps and potholes, and feel for vagueness or self-centring delay in the steering, as a worn top mount can allow the strut to deflect under cornering load. With the engine running, push down on each front corner with the vehicle stationary and watch for excessive body movement or a secondary bounce, which can indicate compromised strut bearing integrity. Should the warning light illuminate or any knocking be detected, budget for replacement of the top mount and bearing assembly, and verify whether the coil spring and strut cartridge themselves remain in serviceable condition, as the top mount failure may have placed uneven stress on adjacent components. The brake disc advisories across both axles, combined with the relatively low mileage, suggest corrosion pitting from infrequent use rather than wear from heavy braking, but the buyer should still test the system thoroughly. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing or rhythmic knocking from the wheels, particularly at low speed, and feel for brake pedal pulsation or judder under firm application, which would indicate disc runout or uneven surface wear. The rear exhaust back box corrosion advisory is also worth a physical check, as exhaust gas leaks at the rear joint can produce a ticking or hissing on cold start and may worsen over the coming winters given the vehicle's apparent short-journey usage. Finally, verify that the mismatched front tyre issue from the 2024 failure has been fully resolved with matching tyres of correct size, load and speed rating, as incorrect fitment is both an MoT failure and a genuine dynamic safety concern on a performance-oriented chassis.