2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · WJ54 AEG

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive repairs rather than proactive component replacement. While the most recent test in December 2024 at 91,107 miles passed, the tester flagged a worn drive belt and an offside rear tyre reaching the legal limit. This follows a pattern of advisories and failures in previous years, suggesting the owner tends to address issues only when they approach MOT failure thresholds rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 91,107 miles, this twenty-two-year-old Fiesta shows low mileage, averaging approximately 4,141 miles per year. This low usage profile often correlates with age-related degradation rather than mechanical wear from distance. Between November 2021 at 66,990 miles and December 2024 at 91,107 miles, the vehicle covered roughly 24,000 miles, indicating consistent but light use that can leave rubber components and metalwork vulnerable to perishation despite the low odometer reading. A buyer must conduct a close inspection of the braking system and suspension geometry due to recurring corrosion issues. The 2023 test identified corroded front brake pipes and corroded rear coil springs, which are structural safety concerns that can worsen rapidly if not treated or replaced. Furthermore, the offside front wheel bearing noted for play in 2023 should be checked to ensure the condition has not deteriorated, as bearing play rarely resolves over time. The record also highlights a lapse in tyre management, with multiple advisories for uneven wear and cuts across 2022, 2023, and 2024. The edge wear on several tyres suggests potential alignment issues or worn shock absorbers that require professional attention. Given the age of the vehicle and the low mileage, the inspector should also verify the chassis for structural rust and check the drive belt for signs of cracking, as this was flagged in the most recent inspection.