2021 Abarth 595 1.4L Petrol · YP21 SVT

The vehicle presents a mixed picture. The most recent test, conducted on 2026-06-15 at 17,665 miles, resulted in a pass, but the tester flagged a cluster of new defects. Both rear tyres are showing signs of perishing and cracking, indicating age-related deterioration rather than high-mileage wear. More critically, both rear shock absorbers are exhibiting a light misting of oil. While these items did not constitute a fail, their simultaneous appearance suggests the suspension components have degraded. Comparing this to the clean bill of health recorded in 2025 and 2024, the maintenance trend is currently worsening, moving from a period of zero advisories to multiple flagged items in a single test. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 2021 vehicle. Accumulating only 5,214 miles between the June 2025 test at 12,451 miles and the June 2026 test at 17,665 miles is notable, but the overall average of roughly 3,533 miles per year confirms this car has been used sparingly. Such low annual mileage often points to short, infrequent journeys. This usage pattern accelerates the deterioration of rubber components, which age and perish through ozone exposure and lack of use rather than tread wear. The exposed cords on the front and rear tyres recorded during the 2024-06-19 failure, at just 11,098 miles, further support this. Those tyres failed due to age-related splits, not high-mileage wear, and the subsequent clean pass in 2024-06-22 suggests they were replaced. The current reappearance of tyre perishing on the rear axle indicates the same age-related decay is now affecting the replacement rubber. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the rear suspension and braking system. The oil misting on both rear shock absorbers is a progressive fault. A light misting can advance to a steady leak, which will compromise damping performance and cause uneven tyre wear. Have a technician check the shock absorber seals and the condition of the coil springs for any signs of corrosion or sag. The rear brake assembly also warrants attention. In the 2024 failure, the tester flagged a worn and scored Nearside Front brake disc. While the subsequent pass suggests a repair, the current advisories on the rear axle mean the entire braking system should be assessed for binding calipers or uneven disc wear, which are common on vehicles that sit stationary for long periods. Finally, scrutinise the sidewalls of all four tyres, including the spare if fitted, for further cracking or perishing. The recurring nature of tyre defects across multiple tests and axles strongly suggests a storage or age-deterioration issue that will require ongoing vigilance and likely another set of tyres in the near future.