2006 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · KD55 AGO

The most recent DVSA MOT, carried out on 6 October 2022, resulted in a full pass with no recorded defects, mirroring the clean pass recorded on 1 November 2021. With two consecutive years of fault‑free examinations, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than deteriorating, suggesting that any routine servicing required to keep the car road‑worthy has been performed to a satisfactory standard. At 117,394 miles on a vehicle that is now twenty years old, the average annual utilisation works out at roughly 5,870 miles per year. This is well below the typical usage pattern for a Fiesta of this age and points to either light daily driving or extended periods of inactivity. Low mileage can be advantageous in terms of reduced wear on engine and transmission components, but prolonged standing can promote corrosion of suspension joints, brake rotors and exhaust brackets, as well as the gradual perishing of rubber components such as tyre sidewalls and engine mounts. For a prospective buyer the first visual inspection should focus on tyre age – even if tread depth appears adequate, tyres older than six years may have hardened sidewalls and be prone to cracking, especially if stored in a warm environment. The 12‑volt battery should be tested for cranking amperage and checked for any signs of electrolyte leakage or terminal corrosion, as batteries tend to lose capacity after a decade of service. Examine the under‑body for any rust on the chassis rails, sub‑frame and suspension mounting points; surface rust is common on low‑usage cars but deep pitting could indicate hidden structural weakening. Verify that all fluid reservoirs (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid) have been topped up and, where service stamps are absent, consider a full fluid change as a precaution against age‑related degradation. Given the vehicle’s age, particular attention should be paid to the timing belt or chain, depending on the engine variant; many Fiesta models require a timing belt replacement at around 100 000 miles, so a thorough check of the service history for evidence of this work is essential. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust and the pads for uneven wear, and listen for any pulsation or squeal during a test‑drive that could indicate warped rotors or binding calipers. Finally, assess the condition of the suspension bushings, ball joints and shock absorbers – worn bushes often manifest as clunking noises over bumps, while leaking or soft dampers can lead to poor ride quality and premature tyre wear. A comprehensive mechanical inspection covering these points will give a clear picture of the Fiesta’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that may be required.