2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · X18 WFR

A pattern of largely untroubled MOT results defines this 2009 Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 15 December 2025 returning a clean pass and the broader seven-test sequence showing only one failure and one advisory-laden pass. The lone failure, recorded on 16 December 2020, was a relatively trivial lighting issue involving an inoperative nearside registration plate lamp and a non-functioning nearside front position lamp, both classed as present and dangerous defects but easily remedied and clearly corrected on the very same date. The 2021 test passed but flagged three advisories relating to front suspension ball joint play and edge wear on both front tyres, while every other examination since 2019 has been entirely free of advisories. Taken together, the trend across the recorded history is one of stable roadworthiness rather than a pattern of escalating or recurring mechanical concerns. The recorded odometer reading of 31,931 miles against a 17-year vehicle age equates to an average accumulation of roughly 1,878 miles per year, which is notably low for a car of this vintage. There are no multi-year gaps in the MOT record to suggest prolonged periods off the road, with testing continuity maintained annually from 2019 through 2025. Such modest usage typically means reduced wear on major drivetrain components, clutches and braking surfaces, but it also carries implications for items that degrade through age rather than mileage. Rubber, plastic and composite components on suspension and drivetrain mountings harden and perish over time regardless of how few miles are covered, and brake discs and callipers can suffer from corrosion through limited use, particularly in wet UK winters. A prospective buyer should therefore not interpret the low mileage as automatic reassurance across every system. The specific advisory items from December 2021 warrant particular attention given the four intervening years. The offside front suspension arm ball joint was noted as having slight play, and on a vehicle now several years further along, that joint should be inspected for any worsening movement, audible knocking over speed humps or uneven road surfaces, and uneven front tyre wear that might point to a deteriorating joint or related bush. The advisory on both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on their edges suggests tracking misalignment was present at the time, and the buyer should examine the current tyres for similar inner or outer shoulder wear, check whether the wheel alignment has since been corrected, and confirm the current tread depth across the full width rather than just the central tread band. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over broken surfaces, pay attention to any vibration through the steering wheel which could indicate worn front components or corroded brake discs, and note any pulling to one side under braking that might suggest a binding calliper. Beyond the flagged items, the lighting failure recorded in 2020 is a reminder to verify all exterior lamps are functioning at the point of purchase, as a similar minor electrical issue recurring now would be straightforward to remedy but would prevent an MOT pass. Given the low annual mileage, the vehicle is likely to have been used for short journeys, which historically places additional strain on the 12V battery, exhaust system through condensation accumulation, and engine oil through incomplete warm-up cycles, so these areas warrant a basic check on any inspection. A road test should include a cold start to observe how promptly the engine fires and settles to a stable idle, a check for any smoke from the exhaust on start-up, and confirmation that the clutch feels firm and consistent. Under braking, the pedal should feel solid without excessive travel or judder, and the steering should remain centred with no significant wander on a straight motorway section.