2009 Abarth 500: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Abarth 500?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Abarth 500 than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Abarth 500

  9.8% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Front strut mounts and bushes5× usual
  Abarth 500

  4% All 2009 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.1% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Wheel bearings2.1× usual
  Abarth 500

  4.5% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2× usual
  Abarth 500

  3.6% All 2009 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Transmission oil leaks2.2× usual
  Abarth 500

  2.4% All 2009 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2009 Abarth 500 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Abarth 500 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  28% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  24% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Driveshafts and joints
  10% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Exhaust and emissions
  9% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Abarth 500

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2009 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2009 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?