2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LM10 AAE

The vehicle's most recent MOT test, conducted on 25 August 2025, ultimately resulted in a pass, though it followed an initial fail on the same date due to a dangerous stop lamp defect affecting all stop lamps. The immediate cause for failure was rectified, and the vehicle subsequently passed with two advisories and one minor defect. The maintenance trend over the recorded history suggests a largely stable but ageing vehicle, with no major structural or safety-critical failures aside from the lamp issue. However, the recurrence of advisories related to shock absorber oil misting, tyre perishing, and minor lamp and reflector issues indicates that several wear items are progressively accumulating. While none of these issues have yet precipitated a failure, a prospective buyer should recognise that the vehicle is at a stage where multiple minor defects are being noted annually, which is typical for a car approaching its sixteenth year. With a recorded mileage of 95,005 miles across approximately sixteen years, this Ford Fiesta has averaged around 5,938 miles per year, which is notably low for its age and class. Such low annual mileage often reflects periods of limited use, potentially including extended standing, or perhaps primarily short urban journeys. The MOT history shows recorded tests at irregular intervals, with notable gaps between 2021 and 2022 and a fairly consistent pattern thereafter, but the absence of recorded mileages at each test makes it difficult to confirm whether the vehicle has accumulated mileage steadily or in irregular bursts. Low mileage can reduce wear on high-stress drivetrain and clutch components, but it conversely raises the risk of age-related degradation in areas such as rubber components, brake discs, and battery health due to underuse and extended periods of standing. Given the recurring advisory for tyre perishing or cracking on the offside rear, and the similar advisory on the nearside rear shock absorber showing light oil misting, these components warrant close inspection. Tyre sidewall cracking is a calendar-based degradation issue rather than a wear issue, so even tyres with adequate tread depth may be unsafe due to structural deterioration of the sidewall rubber. The shock absorber oil misting suggests early seal failure; on a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces and observe whether the rear settles excessively after being pressed down. The gearbox mounting advisory from 2022 also merits a physical check, as deteriorated mounts can cause vibration through the cabin and drivetrain shunt on acceleration. Any persistence or worsening of these issues since the last test should be verified by a hands-on inspection. Beyond the recorded advisories, a vehicle of this age and low usage profile is susceptible to several common age-related faults that may not yet be reflected in the MOT history. Brake discs are likely to exhibit corrosion or pitting from standing, and the calipers may have begun to seize, so the buyer should check for juddering under braking and confirm the handbrake holds firmly on an incline. The 12V battery should be tested for adequate cranking performance, particularly as low-mileage vehicles with short journeys rarely allow a full charge cycle. Coolant and brake fluid should be replaced on a time-based schedule rather than purely mileage, given the vehicle's age, and the timing belt, if applicable to this model, should be verified as recently replaced according to service records. Finally, a thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for fluid leaks, corroded brake lines, and any structural corrosion around suspension mounting points is highly advisable, as low annual mileage does not necessarily equate to a well-maintained or trouble-free example.