Steering/suspension

Some owners find the 500’s suspension just too firm, although cars after 2010 had revisions at the rear that made it better at soaking up bumps. Moreover, the bushes on rear dampers tend to fail after a couple of years, sometimes sooner if used on poor roads.

Front droplinks can also let go pretty early in the 500’s life, made worse by the fact that, being a city car, it may well have encountered more than its fair share of speed bumps. Front strut top mounts need replacing after a couple of years – you’ll notice a tell-tale clunk as you drive over a pothole or lowered kerb.

Front suspension arms have the balljoint integrated into the arm and the boots can tear, which is an MOT fail and, of course, will eventually wreck the joint if left unattended. Unwanted knocks could also be from worn anti-roll bar bushes, but take note that Fiat only sell the complete bar.

The Fiat’s EPAS has also been known to fail – they start at around £260 from independents and change hands secondhand from £60. STEERING/SUSPENSION COMPONENT PRICES DROPLINKS Main dealer £27.42 Independent from £21.99

Front anti-roll bar Main dealer £253.15 (complete)