2001 Fiat Multipla 1.9L Diesel · Y98 NDY

Recurring issues with steering and suspension components, alongside persistent wheel bearing noise, define the mechanical profile of this vehicle. The most recent MOT test on 01 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but this follows a failure on 30 June 2026 due to a major defect regarding excessive play in the offside track rod end ball joint. The testing history shows a pattern of deteriorating steering and suspension elements, specifically involving the track rod ends, Macpherson strut pins, and various suspension bushes, which have appeared as advisories or failures across multiple years. Furthermore, the presence of noisy rear wheel bearings has been noted in consecutive tests since August 2025, indicating a continuing issue with the rear hub assemblies. The vehicle has covered 153,357 miles over its approximately 25-year lifespan, representing an average annual usage of roughly 6,134 miles. This relatively low annual mileage is consistent with a vehicle used for light, intermittent duties rather than high-frequency long-distance travel. Mechanically, this usage pattern often means that while the engine may have lower total wear than a high-mileage equivalent, rubber components such as suspension bushes, brake hoses, and steering seals are more susceptible to age-related degradation and perishing, which is reflected in the frequent advisories for deteriorated brake hoses and steering seepage. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the steering and suspension during a test drive to ensure the recent track rod end replacement has resolved previous play. Listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which could indicate that the Macpherson strut pins or lower suspension arm bushes are still exhibiting wear. The repeated advisories for noisy rear wheel bearings necessitate a careful check for any humming, droning, or grinding noises that increase in pitch with vehicle speed, as this typically points to bearing failure. Additionally, the steering should feel precise without any wandering or heavy spots that might suggest the previously flagged power steering seepage or rack issues have not been fully rectified. The braking system and tyre condition also require immediate scrutiny. The most recent test flagged both nearside and offside front tyres as being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges, which may suggest an alignment issue stemming from the previously failed steering components. During the test drive, check for any pulling to one side or uneven pedal feel. Given the history of deteriorated brake hoses and handbrake cables, it is essential to test the handbrake's effectiveness on an incline and listen for any unusual noises when applying the foot brake. Finally, monitor the engine bay for any signs of the oil leaks that have been recorded as advisories in the past to ensure they have not progressed into more significant leaks.