2015 Abarth 500: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Abarth 500?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Abarth 500 than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Shock absorbers4.1× usual
  Abarth 500

  18.8% All 2015 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 0.9% of all 2015 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.

• Brake discs1.7× usual
  Abarth 500

  21.1% All 2015 cars

  12.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.9% of all 2015 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.

• Front strut mounts and bushes13× usual
  Abarth 500

  5.2% All 2015 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0% of all 2015 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.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Abarth 500

  7.5% All 2015 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.7% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheel bearings4.7× usual
  Abarth 500

  3.3% All 2015 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.3% of all 2015 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.

Common 2015 Abarth 500 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Abarth 500 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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.

• 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.

• 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
  18% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  5% 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 2015 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 shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2015 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2015 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 13× as often on the 2015 Abarth 500 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?