2015 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · YL64 ADU

The most recent DVSA MOT examination on 3 April 2026 recorded a PASS, though the tester issued advisories for slight damage, cracking, or perishing on both rear tyres. Looking back through the recorded test history, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with a recurring concern around tyre condition; every MOT since 2023 has flagged perishing or damage on at least some wheels, while the intervening 2022 and 2025 tests were completely clean with no advisories. The 2024 test is particularly noteworthy as it surfaced wear in both front lower suspension arm rear bushes, items that have not been flagged again since. While a clean pass with only advisory items is favourable, the cumulative picture suggests age-related deterioration of consumables rather than any single point of failure, and a prospective buyer should treat the tyre and suspension advisories as the early indicators of what the vehicle will require over the next service interval. With approximately 11,689 miles recorded over an 11-year period, this Fiat 500 has averaged barely 1,063 miles annually, which is exceptionally low even for a city-oriented vehicle of this class. This kind of usage profile strongly suggests the car has spent extended periods stationary, which carries its own set of implications distinct from those of a high-mileage example. Brake discs and calipers are prone to surface corrosion and seizing when rarely used, tyres deteriorate from age rather than tread wear, rubber hoses and seals can harden, and fluids degrade on a calendar basis regardless of distance covered. Equally, infrequent running prevents the engine, transmission, and ancillaries from reaching full operating temperature often enough to evaporate internal condensation, which can lead to oil contamination and premature wear of internal components. Any significant mileage gap between tests should also be considered, as standing periods accelerate perishing of exterior rubbers and can mask developing faults through lack of symptom exposure. Given the persistent tyre perishing advisories, a thorough physical inspection of all four tyres is essential, paying particular attention to sidewall cracking, crazing, and any bulges that may have developed since the last test; age-related perishing typically begins on the sidewall before progressing to the tread, and tyres fitted to a low-mileage vehicle of this age should be replaced on condition rather than remaining tread depth alone. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as the 2024 advisories regarding the lower arm rear bushes indicate those components are approaching the end of their service life and may now exhibit measurable play. Uneven or feathered tyre wear across the axle would confirm a worn bush is allowing geometry to drift, and any vagueness in the steering or a tendency to wander would warrant immediate investigation. Beyond the recorded advisory items, a buyer should conduct several age- and usage-appropriate checks before purchase. Verify the production date stamped on the sidewall of each tyre, as a set fitted for many years will need replacement regardless of tread depth. Inspect the brake discs for lipping and heavy surface rust that could indicate seized caliper slide pins or a sticking handbrake mechanism, both common on cars that stand for long periods. Check the 12 volt battery for its date code and test its resting voltage, as a battery that has sat discharged will have suffered permanent capacity loss. Confirm the timing belt replacement interval if applicable to this engine, as calendar age rather than mileage dictates the replacement schedule, and verify recent renewal of engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil where applicable. Finally, ensure the service book contains stamps at appropriate intervals and request evidence of any work carried out in response to the suspension advisories, as unresolved wear items will progress and likely result in a future MOT failure if left unaddressed.