2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YK58 ABZ

The most recent DVSA MOT examination for this 2009 Ford Fiesta was conducted on 15 April 2024, resulting in a pass with no advisories or defects recorded. The vehicle had also passed without comment at the previous two tests on 24 April 2023 and 29 January 2022, indicating a consistent pattern of roadworthy condition over the last three cycles. The two earlier failures on 24 January 2022 and 19 December 2021 are noted, but as no specific defect categories were recorded against them, they appear to have been relatively minor or administrative in nature, with the vehicle returning to a clean pass status within days. Overall, this represents a stable and reassuring maintenance trajectory, particularly given the absence of any recurring advisory items across the recent history, which suggests that the suspension, braking, and exhaust components have not been flagged as approaching their wear limits in the near term. With 87,154 miles recorded on a vehicle of approximately seventeen years, this Ford Fiesta has covered an annual average of around 5,127 miles, which is notably low for its age and points towards a pattern of predominantly light, short-journey use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage can be advantageous in preserving major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, but it does carry its own set of age-related concerns. Vehicles that spend long periods stationary are particularly susceptible to moisture ingress within the braking system, leading to corrosion on the brake discs and potential seizure of the caliper slide pins. Equally, oil seals, coolant hoses, and suspension bushes can deteriorate through lack of use rather than wear, and the 12V battery will almost certainly have required multiple replacements over the vehicle's lifespan given the calendar age. Given the clean MOT record but the substantial age of the vehicle, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection rather than relying solely on the documented test history. Externally, the tyres warrant particular attention, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth; look closely for perishing, cracking on the sidewalls, and any signs of uneven wear that might indicate suspension geometry issues or a binding brake caliper. Lift any trim or check the spare wheel area for age marking on the sidewalls, and consider replacing tyres manufactured more than six or seven years ago as a matter of safety. The brake discs, being visible through the wheel spokes, should be examined for a pronounced lip at the outer edge indicating wear, and any surface rust that has become deep or pitted rather than a light dusting suggests the vehicle has been standing for prolonged periods. Under the bonnet, the buyer should verify the age and condition of all time-based service items, including the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the 12V battery, as these degrade by calendar age rather than mileage alone. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and typically requires replacement every two years regardless of use, so confirmation of a recent change is worthwhile. Inspect the auxiliary drive belt for cracking or fraying, and check all coolant and heater hoses for signs of hardening or weeping at the joints. On the test drive, listen carefully for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which could indicate perished bushes or worn shock absorbers, and feel for any pulling to one side under braking that may suggest a seized caliper. Finally, confirm that the service book is fully stamped or that verifiable invoices exist for routine maintenance, as consistent records are particularly valuable on a low-mileage, older vehicle where the temptation to defer servicing is greater.