2005 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · EJ05 AEB

The September 2025 test at 104,566 miles returned a pass, yet the advisory list reveals a worsening structural trend. Both rear coil springs remain corroded, a defect first flagged in the September 2022 test at 87,408 miles, and the rear suspension mounting areas now show prescribed-area corrosion noted in September 2024 at 97,495 miles. A child seat again prevented full inspection of the nearside rear adult belt, repeating the 2024 restriction. Annual mileage has settled around 5,000 to 7,000 miles since 2019, consistent with the low 4,979-mile yearly average, though a missing 2018 test leaves a two-year gap between 60,459 miles in October 2017 and 71,458 miles in September 2019. The pattern suggests regular but light use, a regime that often accelerates underbody corrosion because components rarely dry out fully. Tyre maintenance has been neglected repeatedly; the offside front tyre wore to the legal limit in September 2023 at 92,408 miles, following similar advisories in 2021 and 2019, and a failure for insufficient tread in October 2017. The offside rear brake pipe failed on excessive corrosion in September 2022 and again at the initial September 2023 test, though it disappears from later records, suggesting a replacement that should be verified. The nearside rear shock absorber casing has shown slight external damage since September 2023, and a serious fluid leak on the offside front unit caused a failure in October 2016. A buyer should prioritise a thorough underbody inspection focusing on the rear suspension turrets, spring seats, and brake pipe runs for structural integrity. The coolant leak noted in September 2022 at 87,408 miles also warrants pressure testing the system. Verify the offside rear brake pipe has been renewed and assess the rear shock absorbers for damping performance given the casing damage history.