2002 Ford Fiesta 1.3L Petrol · HW02 AHV

The mechanical history of this 2002 Ford Fiesta reveals significant concerns regarding structural integrity. The most recent test in December 2022 at 85,450 miles resulted in a major failure due to severe corrosion. Both inner sills and rear inner wheel arches, alongside the outer sills, showed reduced strength strength at the seat belt anchorage. This is a critical structural defect that indicates the vehicle's chassis is degrading. The same test also identified a dangerously thin nearside front brake pad, an excessively worn rear beam axle bush, and a structural failure in the offside rear tyre. The vehicle has covered low mileage, averaging roughly 3,500 miles per year over its twenty-four years. While this suggests less wear on drivetrain components, the record shows the car has suffered from age-related decay and neglect. Between 2019 and 2021, the tester repeatedly flagged deteriorating suspension issues, including worn Macpherson strut bushes and leaking rear shock absorbers. The presence of coolant and oil leaks recorded as early as 2019 suggests that engine seals have likely perished over time, which is common in vehicles that sit stationary for long periods. The maintenance trend is worsening in terms of structural health. Although the car passed tests in 2020 and 2021, the 2022 failure confirms that the corrosion has reached a point of compromising safety. A potential buyer must perform a thorough physical inspection of the sills and wheel arches to determine the extent of the metalwork. Given the history of recurring suspension wear and the recent-critical structural failure, the vehicle represents a high risk of expensive repair costs that may exceed its market value.