2007 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · AE07 RKA

The most recent MOT test on 18 November 2024 resulted in a pass, though it was accompanied by two advisories and two minor defects that warrant close attention before purchase. The advisories of play in the steering rack inner joint and an altered internal headlight adjuster suggest steering component wear has begun and that headlight alignment has been previously disturbed, potentially indicating a minor frontal impact or bulb replacement that was not properly readjusted. The minor defects recorded against both nearside and offside front suspension arm ball joint dust covers being severely deteriorated are particularly relevant, as once these protective boots split, water and grit ingress rapidly destroys the ball joint itself. Across the broader MOT history, a clear and worsening trend is evident, with defects escalating from a single brake disc advisory in late 2018 to multiple advisories covering brake components, exhaust mountings, gearbox mountings, and suspension items by 2021 to 2024, indicating progressive deterioration rather than a well-maintained vehicle. With 129,383 miles recorded on a 2007 vehicle, this Fiesta has covered an average of approximately 6,810 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and suggests a mix of urban and rural use without long periods of standing or excessive motorway mileage. There are no notable gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended storage, and the mileage accumulation appears steady. At this age and mileage, mechanical wear on the engine, clutch, transmission, and suspension is expected and proportional, though the lower annual mileage does reduce the likelihood of high-mileage specific failures such as dual mass flywheel concerns. However, nineteen years of service places significant calendar-based stress on rubber components, flexible hoses, coolant, and electrical systems regardless of how few miles are covered each year. From the recurring advisories, several specific items should be physically inspected and assessed on a test drive. The steering rack play noted in the most recent test should be evaluated by turning the wheel just off centre while stationary, listening for any clonking or rasping from the rack area, and checking for uneven tyre wear particularly on the inner edges which would confirm active deterioration. The perished ball joint dust covers should be visually examined by gripping the front wheels at three and nine o'clock and rocking firmly; any clunk or perceptible movement indicates the joints require replacement, which on a Fiesta of this age typically warrants renewal of both front suspension arms. On test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering which would confirm the steering rack issue has progressed. The recurring gearbox mounting advisory, noted as a deteriorated rubber bush in 2021 and again in 2022, should be checked by inspecting for engine and gearbox movement when revving in neutral and releasing the clutch, as worn mounts transmit vibration and allow the powertrain to shift under load. Given the vehicle's age, a thorough physical inspection should also address age-related degradation regardless of the MOT record. Tyres may suffer from sidewall perishing and cracking even with legal tread depth, so the rubber should be flexed and inspected for hairline cracks particularly on the inner sidewalls which are often missed. The 12V battery should be tested for its state of health, as units of this vintage commonly fail without warning and a fresh battery is advisable. Brake calipers may bind from infrequent use or corrosion, so each wheel should be checked for free rotation when jacked and for even pad wear against the discs. All fluid services should be verified against calendar rather than mileage intervals, with the engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission fluid all due for renewal on age alone. Finally, confirm a complete service history with stamps covering the cambelt replacement, which on this generation of Fiesta was due every 100,000 miles or ten years, and inspect the underside for any fresh fluid leaks, corrosion on structural components, or evidence of recent welding repairs that may not have been declared.