2012 Abarth 500: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Abarth 500?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Abarth 500 than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Abarth 500

  24.6% All 2012 cars

  14.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers2× usual
  Abarth 500

  13.1% All 2012 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usual
  Abarth 500

  10.4% All 2012 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Abarth 500 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Abarth 500 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  43% 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
  31% 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.

• Tyres
  30% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  22% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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
  8% 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 2012 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2012 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2012 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2012 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?