2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · HG60 AAU

The most recent MOT inspection from September 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance profile shows signs of progressive mechanical degradation rather than stability. While the vehicle has successfully passed its tests, the recent history is marked by a failure in September 2025 due to excessive exhaust emissions, which suggests potential issues with the fuel system, oxygen sensors, or catalytic converter efficiency. The recurrence of several advisories across multiple years indicates that while the vehicle remains roadworthy, several components are nearing the end of their serviceable life and are transitioning from minor wear to more significant mechanical faults. With a recorded mileage of 151,155 miles over approximately sixteen years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,447 miles per year. This represents a typical level of usage for a small hatchback of this age, suggesting the car has not been subjected to extreme high-mileage motorway driving, nor has it been left to stand idle for excessive periods. However, at this mileage, the mechanical components are well into their second or third lifecycle. You should expect a higher degree of wear on consumables such as suspension bushings, dampers, and drivetrain seals, and the cumulative mileage means that any component failure could be more costly due to the labour required to access parts in a high-mileage engine bay. A primary concern for a prospective buyer is the persistent steering and suspension issues noted in the recent records. The advisory for play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint, combined with wear in the offside front steering column universal joint, suggests that the steering may feel vague, notched, or imprecise. During your test drive, listen for any knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces or turning the wheel at low speeds, as these are classic symptoms of worn steering rack components or ball joints. Furthermore, the repeated advisories regarding corroded coil springs, specifically on the nearside front, indicate a high risk of sudden spring failure. You should visually inspect the springs for heavy surface rust or fractures and be aware that a snapped spring will cause a noticeable drop in ride height and significant noise. Finally, pay close attention to the exhaust and tyre condition. The recent failure regarding lambda readings and the previous advisory for an exhaust leak suggest that the emission control system may be struggling, which can lead to poor fuel economy and reduced engine performance. Check for any unusual smells of unburnt fuel or a loud, raspy exhaust note. Regarding the tyres, the history of perishing and uneven wear suggests you must inspect the sidewalls for fine cracks or "weather checking," which indicates the rubber is ageing and losing its structural integrity. Ensure the tyres are not only legally treaded but also free from age-related degradation, and check for any uneven wear patterns that might indicate underlying alignment or suspension geometry issues.