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Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2003 Ford Fusion 1.6L Petrol · AG52 AGU

AG52 AGU

2003 Ford Fusion (1.6L, petrol). First registered 31 Jan 2003. Recorded mileage 173,167 miles. MOT valid until 29 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 Dec 2026.

Make & Model
FORD FUSION
Year / Origin
2003 · Peterborough
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 29 Mar 2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Dec 2026)
Recorded Mileage
173,167 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 29 Mar 2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Dec 2026
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2003
Engine
1596cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle's recent MOT history shows an inconsistent pattern of compliance, characterized by repeated failures immediately preceding successful tests. In the most recent test on 28 March 2026, the vehicle passed with no defects recorded, following a failure on 27 March 2026. This pattern of failing and then passing within a 24-hour window occurred again in March 2025, where a failure on 20 March 2025 was followed by a pass on 31 March 2025. While the most recent result is a pass, the recurring need for remedial work to achieve compliance suggests a cycle of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. The recorded mileage of 173,167 miles is consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging approximately 7,500 miles per year. The MOT records provided do not list specific mileage increments for each individual test, making it impossible to verify the exact rate of accumulation between the 2024, 2025, and 2026 inspections. However, the annual testing frequency remains regular, with tests occurring every March. Because the MOT records for the failures in 2025 and 2026 do not specify the exact nature of the defects, a physical inspection is required to identify the cause of these repeated failures. A buyer should specifically examine the braking system for binding calipers or worn discs, and check the suspension components, including bushes and coil springs, for play or damage. Given the vehicle's age and the lack of recorded advisory details, a thorough check for structural corrosion on the chassis and sills is necessary to ensure long-term integrity. buying_score: 55 risk_level: Medium.
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AG52 AGU Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 28/03/2026
  • 173,167 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 11 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (21 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

AG52 AGU MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 19 Sept 2026, 12:05
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Ford Fusion (AG52 AGU) between March 2024 and March 2026.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 28 March 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (21 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 32 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

AG52 AGU Mileage History

  1. 06/03/2024155,794 mi
  2. 20/03/2025164,928 mi+9,134 mi
  3. 31/03/2025164,929 mi+1 mi
  4. 27/03/2026173,166 mi+8,237 mi
  5. 28/03/2026173,167 mi+1 mi

Average of roughly 8,436 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
75
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

Valid MOT
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Experian Provenance Data

Vehicle Provenance Investigation

9 Key Registers

Comprehensive register checks across Experian, MIAFTR, Police National Computer, and DVLA records.

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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

Experian Register

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

MIAFTR Register

Checks the UK insurance total loss register for Category A, B, S, or N write-offs.

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

Police PNC

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

Salvage Registers

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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Country of Origin Audit: [Check to Reveal]
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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

Checks whether the vehicle has been marked for permanent or temporary export from the UK.

Customs & Export Register: [Query Required]
UK Road Eligibility Marker: [Check to Reveal]
Export Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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SCRAPPED RECORD

Scrappage Register

Validates whether the car has been surrendered or notified as scrapped to an Authorized Treatment Facility.

Scrappage & ATF Register: [Query Required]
Disposal Notification Check: [Check to Reveal]
Scrappage Register:QUERY REQUIRED
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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

Confirms whether a statutory Certificate of Destruction has been issued against this chassis.

Certificate of Destruction Register: [Query Required]
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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

DVLA Master

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
55/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,100-£1,400
Mileage
The mileage of 173,167 is high for a veh...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution. While the vehicle has passed its most recent MOT, the history shows a pattern of failures immediately preceding successful tests.

When viewing this Green Ford Fusion, pay close attention to the timing of the MOT failures. The records show failures at 164,928 miles and 173,166 miles, both of which were resolved within 24 hours. You should ask the seller exactly what caused these specific failures to understand if they were minor items like bulbs and wipers or more significant mechanical issues.

Because this is a 2003 model with significant mileage, we recommend checking the service history thoroughly. An MOT certificate is not a substitute for regular servicing. Look for evidence of oil changes and brake inspections, as these are critical for a petrol engine of this age and usage level.

The 1596cc petrol engine is generally positioned in a moderate insurance group and tax band, making it relatively affordable for budget-conscious drivers. Fuel economy for this era of Ford Fusion is typically average for a small hatchback, though high mileage can impact efficiency if the engine is not well-maintained.

Maintenance costs for older Fords are often manageable due to the wide availability of parts. However, with the mileage now exceeding 173,000 miles, you should budget for more frequent replacements of wear-and-tear items such as suspension components, tyres, and exhaust parts.

Although the most recent MOT in March 2026 recorded no defects, the previous year's record showed a failure just one day prior to passing. You should inspect the vehicle's underside for signs of corrosion and check all lighting and electrical components to ensure they meet current standards.

Given the 173,167 miles on the clock, inspect the clutch feel and gear change smoothness, as well as the condition of the braking system. Check the engine bay for any signs of fluid leaks, which can be common in high-mileage petrol engines of this vintage.

This 2003 Ford Fusion 1.6 petrol is a high-mileage example with 173,167 miles recorded at its last test. The MOT history shows a recurring pattern where the vehicle fails an inspection only to pass shortly after, specifically in 2025 and 2026. Given its age and mileage, any potential purchase should be scrutinised for wear and tear.

No aggregate reliability data is available for the Ford Fusion to provide a comparative benchmark.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns