2007 Ford Fusion 1.4L Petrol · FT07 ADU

Brake pipe corrosion dominates the vehicle’s MOT record, appearing on the off‑side pipe in 2026, the nearside front pipe in 2024 and again on the nearside rear pipe in 2025, each noted as “covered in grease or other material” and showing visible rust. This recurring advisory is compounded by rear coil‑spring corrosion flagged in 2025 and a series of tyre‑perishing notes from 2019 through 2024, while the 2025 test also recorded a major headlamp aim defect and major washer/wiper failures that required remedial work before the vehicle could be re‑tested. The latest pass in March 2026 therefore reflects a pattern of persistent corrosion and tyre wear rather than an overall clean bill of health. At 69,373 mi for a 2007 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 3,650 mi, well below the typical 8‑12 000 mi per year for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation can be consistent with occasional storage periods, which may have accelerated the corrosion observed on brake lines and rear suspension components, as moisture can settle in idle systems. The mileage gaps—no recorded tests between 2018 and 2021 and a single failure in 2021 for tyre tread—suggest that the car may have spent extended time off the road, reinforcing the need to verify that any dormant corrosion has not progressed to structural weakness. Prospective buyers should inspect all brake pipes for signs of active rust, leakage, or soft spots where the protective coating has failed, and test the brake pedal for a firm, consistent feel without sponginess or pulsation under steady pressure. The rear coil springs, noted as corroded, should be examined for surface pitting that could compromise spring fatigue life; any audible knocking over bumps or uneven rear ride may indicate weakened springs or associated mounting points. Tyres demand particular attention: the inner‑edge perishing and cracking reported on both front tyres, together with the dangerous rear‑tyre tear recorded in 2021, mean that tread depth, sidewall integrity and uniform wear must be verified visually and with a tread‑depth gauge before committing to purchase. The headlamp aim failure recorded in 2025 indicates that the off‑side beam may be misaligned, so a functional check of both low‑ and high‑beam patterns on a flat surface is essential, and any mis‑aim should be corrected before regular use. Finally, the washer‑fluid shortage and ineffective wiper operation noted in the same year should be confirmed as resolved; the driver should verify that the washer reservoir fills correctly, the pump delivers adequate pressure, and the wiper blades clear the screen without streaking. Addressing these specific items will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable state.