Fiat 500 1.2 Petrol (2008-2019): Common Faults and What to Check Before Buying

Thinking of a Fiat 500 as your first car or a city runabout? Good choice – it’s cute, cheap to run and easy to park. But the 1.2 petrol, while the sensible engine, has a few well-documented weak spots. Knowing them before you hand over your cash could save you hundreds.

Why the 1.2 Petrol Makes Sense

The 1.2-litre four-cylinder is the pick of the range for most buyers. It’s not fast, but it’s smooth enough, returns around 50mpg and avoids the turbo and dual-clutch headaches of some other versions. Parts are cheap and most garages know their way around it. Just budget for a timing belt change every five years or 72,000 miles – if there’s no evidence it’s been done, factor in £250-£350.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure

This is the big one. The EPS system can fail without warning, leaving you with heavy steering and a red warning light on the dash. It often plays up when the car is warm or after a long drive, so a short cold test drive might not reveal it. Start the car, turn the wheel lock-to-lock and listen for a whine. Check the dash for any steering warning lights. If it’s faulty, a reconditioned steering column and ECU will cost £300-£600 fitted. Not a job to ignore.

What to look for

• Warning light on start-up
• Intermittent heavy steering
• Whining from under the dash
• Steering that feels different when hot

Rear Axle Corrosion

This is a safety-critical issue and a common MOT failure on older 500s. The rear beam axle rusts from the inside out, especially around the spring pans. If it’s badly corroded, it can snap. Get down and look under the back of any car you view. Surface rust is normal; flaking, holes or a crusty texture means walk away. A replacement axle is £400-£800 plus fitting, which can write off a cheap car.

Suspension Bushes and Noises

Worn front lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar bushes are common. You’ll hear clonks over speed bumps or rough roads. Top mounts can also wear, causing a twang when you turn. Parts are inexpensive – a full set of front bushes might be £50-£100 – but labour adds up. Test drive on a rough car park or cobbled street and listen carefully.

Boot Wiring and Electrical Gremlins

The wiring loom that runs into the boot lid can fray where it bends. Symptoms include number plate lights not working, the boot release failing, or the rear wiper packing up. Check every electrical item: windows, mirrors, central locking, air con (if fitted), radio, and all lights. Italian electrics can be temperamental, so a thorough check is worth the effort.

Door Handles

Both interior and exterior door handles can break. The exterior ones are known to snap in cold weather, and the interior ones can feel loose. Try every door from inside and out. Replacements are cheap enough (around £20-£40 for a handle), but if several are broken it points to a neglected car.

Clutch Wear

The 1.2 clutch is generally sturdy, but city driving takes its toll. A high biting point, juddering or slipping under acceleration all point to a clutch on its way out. Replacement is £200-£400 fitted. During your test drive, do a few hill starts and check the clutch engages smoothly. Also listen for whining from the gearbox – it’s rare but expensive.

The Test Drive: Don’t Rush It

A proper test drive should last at least 20 minutes and include town traffic, rough roads and a stretch of dual carriageway. You’re checking for steering faults, suspension knocks, clutch slip and any warning lights. Turn the engine off and on again – some faults only show when warm. Check the tyres for uneven wear, which can indicate suspension or alignment issues.

Pre-purchase checklist

• EPS warning light? Steering feel?
• Rear axle corrosion?
• Suspension noises over bumps?
• All electrics working, including boot?
• Door handles intact?
• Clutch biting point and judder?
• Timing belt history?
• MOT advisories?
• Service history and receipts?

MOT History and Advisories

Before you even view a car, check its MOT history online. You’re looking for advisories on corrosion, suspension, steering or brakes. A long list of past advisories that haven’t been fixed is a red flag. A fresh MOT with no advisories is ideal, but be suspicious if a car suddenly passed after years of failures – it might have been a quick fix. The MOT tells a story, so read it carefully.

What to Pay

Early 2008-2012 cars with high miles can be £1,500-£3,000. Facelifted 2013-2019 models with lower miles are £4,000-£7,000. But condition trumps age. A well-maintained early car is a better buy than a neglected later one. If the EPS is faulty or the rear axle is rusty, walk away unless you’re handy with spanners and the price reflects it.

The Takeaway

The Fiat 500 1.2 can be a brilliant first car or city companion, but it pays to be picky. Focus on the big-ticket items – steering, rear axle, clutch – and use the MOT history as your detective tool. A thorough test drive will reveal most issues. If you find a good one, you’ll have a stylish, cheap-to-run car that’s easy to love.

When you’re ready to make that change, have a look at UpCars.uk – they check cars over properly before listing them, so you can start your search with a bit more confidence.