2002 Ford Fusion 1.6L Petrol · DY52 RMO

The 2002 Ford Fusion’s most recent MOT test on 2022-03-15—just over four years ago—shows an unusual dual entry: one pass and one immediate fail at the same mileage, with no recorded defects in either. This suggests either a technical error in the system or a vehicle that passed all mandatory checks but failed a secondary inspection for emissions or structural compliance. No further tests have been recorded since, meaning the vehicle has not undergone a full MOT assessment in nearly four years, a period covering over 2,000 miles annually. Without recent verification, critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and binding calipers—common failure points in this model—cannot be confirmed as serviceable. The absence of advisories or recurring faults in the 2022 entries does not imply reliability; rather, it indicates a lack of recent oversight. The recorded mileage of 79,259 miles over 24 years equates to approximately 3,300 miles per annum, a figure unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either minimal use or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate deterioration in suspension components, brake systems, and fuel lines due to stagnation. The gap between tests—four years without a single MOT—further raises concern, as it aligns with the typical lifespan of critical wear items like brake pads, tyres, and exhaust systems. Buyers should scrutinise whether the vehicle has been stored improperly, as moisture and lack of movement can lead to hidden corrosion or seized joints. Given the lack of recent MOT data, an immediate in-person inspection should prioritise the suspension system, particularly rear coil springs and bushes, which are prone to fatigue in this model. The brakes—especially rear calipers and discs—should be checked for uneven wear or binding, as the 2022 fail suggests potential compliance issues that may have persisted. Structural integrity is also critical; rust penetration in the sills, subframe, or wheel arches is common in older Fords and can compromise safety. Consumables like tyres, wiper blades, and exhaust should be inspected for age-related degradation, as their failure could have gone unnoticed without recent testing. The absence of advisories in the record does not preclude these issues, so thorough mechanical verification is essential.