2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AD09 HHC

A recurring pattern of front suspension and subframe wear defines the mechanical profile of this 2009 Ford Fiesta. Across five recorded tests spanning 2021 to 2025, the vehicle has accumulated advisories for nearside front suspension arm ball joint play, offside track rod end play, and bilateral rear subframe pin or bush wear, with the latter appearing in three consecutive examinations. A fractured offside front coil spring recorded as a Major failure on 21 September 2021 prompted a retest three days later, after which the car passed with the same subframe advisories carried forward. The most recent test on 22 September 2025 returned a Pass with advisories for nearside rear tyre cracking and continued slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, suggesting the front-end wear issue has persisted rather than resolved. The overall trend is one of stable roadworthiness at test level but with a chronic theme of degraded rubber and joint components in the suspension and steering assemblies. Mileage accumulation is notably restrained for the vehicle's age, with 96,543 recorded miles over 17 years equating to approximately 5,679 miles annually. Testing history shows a consistent annual pattern from 2019 through 2025 with no multi-year gaps that would indicate extended lay-up periods. This rate of use is low for a supermini of this vintage and implies lighter-than-average wear on the engine and drivetrain internals, though it also means the recorded advisories for suspension components, oil leak, and tyre cracking have developed over relatively few miles of mechanical cycling. The combination of low annual mileage and persistent rubber-component advisories points to age-related degradation of polymers and bushes rather than high-mileage mechanical fatigue. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the specific components flagged in the MOT record. With three advisories for rear subframe pins or bushes, the rear axle should be examined for any knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces, particularly when accelerating or braking from low speed, and the bushes should be visually inspected for cracking, perishing, or separation from their housings. The 2025 advisory for nearside front suspension arm ball joint play warrants a forceful rocking test of the front wheel by hand to detect any discernible movement or looseness, while the prior offside track rod end play advisory means the steering should be checked for any vague feeling, clunking through the rack, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle. On a test drive, listen for suspension knocks over speed humps and rougher tarmac and pay attention to any pulling, vibration through the steering wheel, or uneven braking that might indicate further wear in these linkages. The 2024 advisory for an oil leak, though not classed as excessive, merits a thorough under-bonnet examination for fresh oil residue around the engine and transmission seams, and a check of the undertray and ground beneath the car for staining or drips. The nearside rear tyre cracking flagged in 2025 should be inspected for sidewall perishing, bulging, or deep crazing that could warrant replacement regardless of tread depth. Given the fractured coil spring failure in 2021, the remaining three coil springs should be visually examined for any signs of corrosion pitting, sagging, or incomplete seating, and the ride height checked for unevenness corner to corner. Finally, the windscreen damage recorded as a Minor in 2024 should be reviewed to confirm it remains outside the driver's direct line of sight and has not extended since, as any deterioration into the swept area would result in a failure at the next test.