2003 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · 3355 BH

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance record shows a clear worsening trend regarding structural corrosion. While the most recent test in March 2026 at 81,006 miles passed, the tester identified corrosion on both the front and rear sub-frames. Although these were not classified as seriously weakened, the recurring appearance of rust across multiple mounting points and sub-structures indicates that the vehicle's structural integrity is degrading due to age and environmental exposure rather than mechanical wear-related failures. The mileage is exceptionally low for a 23-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year. The data shows consistent but minimal usage patterns, moving from 77,555 miles in March 2022 to 81,006 miles in March 2026. This low mileage suggests the car has not suffered from heavy mechanical strain on the engine or drivetrain components. However, low-mileage usage on vehicles of this age often leads to the degradation of rubber components and accelerated corrosion, which aligns with the defects noted in the MOT history. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the structural integrity of the sub-frames and suspension mounting points. The record specifically flagged corrosion on the front wishbones, sills, and wheel arches across the 2023, 2025, and 2026 tests. Because the corrosion has spread from isolated mounting areas to the primary sub-frames, the safety margin for structural metal is narrowing. Close attention should be paid to the thickness of the metal on the sills and arches, as the history suggests these areas are prone to structural failure in the near future if not monitored.