2016 Fiat 500 1.2L Petrol · YP66 EXU

The 2016 FIAT 500 presents a stable and improving mechanical picture at its most recent MOT on 23 June 2025, when it passed at 42,731 miles. The two advisories raised — a light oil misting on the offside front shock absorber and a slightly worn bush on the offside rear unit — are minor suspension items typical of a ten-year-old city car and do not indicate a worsening trend. The record shows a clean pass in June 2024 at 36,041 miles with zero defects, and another clean pass in June 2023 at 27,378 miles, confirming that the vehicle has been consistently maintained through its recent life. The suspension advisories appearing only in the latest test suggest normal age-related deterioration rather than a sudden mechanical failure. The mileage profile tells a clear story of very light use. The car has covered just 42,731 miles over roughly ten years, averaging approximately 4,273 miles per year. The annual intervals between MOTs reinforce this: 16,205 miles in June 2021, 21,894 in June 2022, 27,378 in June 2023, 36,041 in June 2024, and 42,731 in June 2025, showing a steady but modest accumulation of around 5,500 to 8,700 miles per year in recent use. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record. The low annual mileage points to short urban journeys, which places disproportionate wear on consumable items like brake discs, tyres, and the exhaust system due to incomplete warm-up cycles and moisture build-up. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front and rear suspension components, particularly the offside front shock absorber where the tester noted oil misting. A light misting can be an early sign of a deteriorating seal, and if left unaddressed it may progress to reduced damping efficiency. The worn offside rear bush should be checked for play, as degraded suspension bushes affect tyre wear and handling precision. The 2021 test flagged an oil leak described as not excessive at that time, so the engine and gearbox mounts, sump area, and around the rocker cover gasket should be inspected for any fresh or dried residue. Tyre condition also warrants close attention. In June 2021 both front tyres were worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge at just 16,205 miles, which suggests either aggressive driving, a tracking or alignment issue, or prolonged under-inflation. Although no tyre defects were flagged in subsequent tests, the pattern indicates that a buyer should check the current tyres for uneven wear across all four wheels and verify that the tracking is within specification. Brake discs and pads should be measured for thickness and condition, as low-mileage city use often leads to surface corrosion and uneven pad deposition rather than outright wear. The exhaust system, particularly the flexi-joint and mounting rubbers, should be examined for corrosion and gas leaks, as short-trip driving accelerates internal moisture accumulation and rust-through.