2022 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · YF22 OUU

With only two MOT tests on file for a four-year-old Abarth 595, the documentary history is inevitably limited in scope, yet what is recorded reveals an inconsistent roadworthiness profile. The May 2026 outcome was a particularly telling one: a single dangerous defect for ply or cords exposed on the nearside front tyre resulted in an immediate fail, while the same test simultaneously issued a note that the nearside rear tyre was worn close to the legal limit and on its shoulder. Although a pass was subsequently recorded on the same date, a buyer should understand that this sequence confirms the car was presented with a tyre in genuinely dangerous condition, not merely borderline. The 2025 test produced a clean pass with no advisories, but that single clean result between two consecutive tyre-flagged events suggests either a short interval in which tyres deteriorated rapidly or a pattern of tyres being run to the very edge of legality between tests. The recorded mileage of 15,182 miles over four years equates to roughly 3,800 miles annually, which is low even allowing for the Abarth 595's status as a typically second or weekend car. Such light usage reduces wear on major drivetrain components and can extend brake disc and pad life, but it does mean that the vehicle may have experienced extended periods of standing, with potential implications for brake caliper seizure, fluid degradation, tyre age-hardening, and underbody corrosion from moisture sitting on unprotected surfaces. The MOT history only covers the third and fourth anniversaries of registration, so the first three years of the car's life are entirely unverified by testing data, and any pre-2025 wear or rectification work remains undocumented. The fact that mileage between the 2025 and 2026 tests remains difficult to assess precisely given the limited sample, but the tyre issues recorded in 2026 are notable on a low-mileage car where excessive tyre wear would not normally be expected. The tyre-related dangerous failure and advisory both warrant a focused inspection. On a test drive, listen for any increase in road noise from the front wheels which could indicate exposed casing rubbing, and check that the steering does not pull to one side under braking, as a heavily worn front tyre can compromise directional stability. Inspect all four tyres physically, not just the nearside pair, paying attention to tread depth across the full width rather than just the central ribs, and look for uneven shoulder wear which points to incorrect camber, worn suspension bushes, or weak springs. On a low-mileage car, inner shoulder wear in particular can suggest the car has been stored with weight on one side or has suspension geometry issues that have not yet been addressed. Beyond the tyres, the light annual usage warrants specific mechanical checks. With the car likely to have spent long periods stationary, the brake calipers should be examined for signs of seizing or uneven pad wear when the wheels are removed, and the brake fluid should be assessed for colour and moisture content, as fluid older than two years can compromise pedal feel under sustained braking. Inspect the underbody, sills, subframe mounting points, and brake and fuel lines for any surface corrosion consistent with road salt exposure during winter months, particularly given the Abarth's reduced ground clearance which leaves these areas more exposed to grit and moisture. A thorough road test should also confirm that the clutch takes up cleanly without judder, that the steering remains precise without any knocking from the column over uneven surfaces, and that the engine bay shows no evidence of oil misting or weeping from the cam cover or sump gasket, all common areas on a lightly used performance car that can deteriorate from standing rather than wear.