2002 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · LY02 AFV

The vehicle remains technically roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a persistent issue with rear suspension components. While the most recent test in November 2022 at 71,246 miles resulted in a pass, it flagged recurring corrosion on both the offside and nearside rear coil springs. This mirrors the exact advisory issued in November 2021 at 69,038 miles, indicating that the previous owner failed to address the degrading springs despite multiple annual warnings. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,000 miles per year. Between November 2018 and November 2022, the car covered only 8,937 miles, suggesting it was used sparingly or sat for extended periods. This low usage generally limits wear on the engine and drivetrain components, however, low-mileage operation often leads to accelerated degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of moisture on underbody surfaces, which likely correlates with the structural corrosion noted on the coil springs. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension assembly to ensure the corrosion has not progressed to the structural mounting points. Since the tester flagged both rear springs for two consecutive years without replacement, there is a high risk of metal fatigue or sudden failure under load. The inspection should also focus on the brake system for seized calipers or perished rubber brake lines, as low-use vehicles frequently suffer from seized pistons and internal corrosion due to lack of regular activation.