2006 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AF06 LRJ

The most recent MOT, dated 30 January 2026, was passed but recorded a series of advisories covering the front headlamp lens, rear coil‑spring mounting corrosion, chassis corrosion near a rear mounting point, and wear on the front brake discs and pads. Over the past two years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with major failures recorded for headlamp aim, shock‑absorber leaks, power‑steering hose leakage and anti‑roll‑bar dust‑cover deterioration. This pattern indicates a maintenance trend that is currently stabilising – the latest pass shows that the most serious faults have been rectified – but the recurring advisories suggest that underlying wear and corrosion are progressing and will require attention soon. At 182,218 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 9,100 miles per annum, a usage rate that sits within normal bounds for a 20‑year‑old small car. The mileage is not excessive for its age, but it does imply that high‑wear components such as suspension bushings, shock absorbers, brake discs and tyre carcasses have been subjected to considerable service life. The relatively steady annual mileage also suggests the car has not spent prolonged periods idle, reducing the risk of severe battery sulphation or tyre flat‑spotting, yet the cumulative distance means that time‑related degradation of rubber and metal parts is likely to be advanced. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the front brake system – the discs were noted as pitted and the pads thin, so expect possible brake shudder or reduced bite under hard braking and listen for squeal that may indicate further pad wear. The rear shock absorbers were previously reported with serious fluid leaks; check for oil stains on the rear wheel arches and feel for excessive bounce or uneven tyre wear that would reveal deteriorated damping. The suspension arm pins and bushes on both rear sides have been flagged as excessively worn in the past, so a test‑drive should include a careful evaluation of ride quality, listening for clunks when navigating bumps or during cornering, and checking for any play in the rear wheels when the car is lifted. The anti‑roll‑bar ball‑joint dust covers have been reported as deteriorated, which can allow dirt ingress and accelerate joint wear – inspect the bar for any looseness or knocking noises, especially when applying full steering lock. Finally, the headlamp aim was a major failure in the most recent test, and the lenses show product build‑up; verify that the lights are correctly aligned and that the lenses are clean, as mis‑aim can affect night‑time visibility and may be symptomatic of mounting corrosion. The chassis and rear coil‑spring mounting corrosion, while not yet structurally critical, should be examined for any rust flaking that could spread to load‑bearing points. Tyres were previously noted with inner‑wall cracking; inspect both front tyres for any visible bulges, cuts or perished sidewalls and consider a full tyre set replacement if the tread is approaching the legal limit or the carcasses show age‑related cracking. A battery test is advisable given the vehicle’s age, and a comprehensive fluid change – brake, clutch, power‑steering and coolant – should be scheduled to reset the service intervals and ensure reliable operation.