FORD FIESTA2009 · 1.2L Petrol

The 2009 Ford Fiesta’s most recent MOT tests—conducted just six months ago on 27 January 2026—show a concerning pattern of failure despite no recorded defects. Both tests at 71,279 miles passed without issues, yet the vehicle was retested immediately, suggesting either a procedural anomaly or a hidden mechanical concern not captured in the official record. The previous cycle in January 2025 similarly ended in a retest at 67,716 miles, reinforcing the possibility of intermittent faults not logged as failures. This inconsistency raises questions about whether critical components—such as suspension alignment, brake binding, or exhaust emissions—were overlooked or masked during testing. Without visible defects or advisories, the vehicle’s roadworthiness remains technically compliant, but the retest history implies a need for closer scrutiny of components prone to silent degradation. The recorded mileage of 71,279 miles over nearly 17 years—approximately 4,200 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, suggesting either minimal use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between tests varies significantly: from 63,025 miles in February 2024 to 67,716 miles in January 2025 (a 4,691-mile interval), then to 71,279 miles in January 2026 (another 3,563 miles). While this pattern avoids excessive wear, it also indicates potential neglect of fluid changes, brake pad replacement cycles, or suspension servicing, which are typically recommended at lower mileage intervals for older vehicles. The lack of advisories or defects in earlier tests further suggests the owner may have deferred routine maintenance, leaving wear-and-tear items like coil springs, suspension bushes, or brake calipers unaddressed until they reach critical thresholds. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, given the vehicle’s age and mileage. The retest history hints at possible binding or uneven wear in the brakes, so caliper function, disc thickness, and rotor condition should be verified. Corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe is another critical area—common in Fiestas—where structural integrity could be compromised. Exhaust emissions should also be reassessed, as older models are prone to catalytic converter degradation, which may not always trigger MOT failures but can lead to drivability issues. Given the sparse maintenance record, fluid levels (brake, power steering, and engine oil) and their condition warrant immediate attention, as prolonged use without changes can accelerate component failure.