2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · AM58 UPP

A pattern of rear axle wear dominates the MOT history of this 2009 Ford Fiesta and represents the defining mechanical risk for any prospective buyer. During the 2026-01-28 test, both nearside and offside rear axle swivel pins and bushes were recorded as excessively worn, constituting Major defects, and a re-test on 2026-02-04 retained an excessively worn classification on the offside rear assembly. A subsequent retest the same day passed, but only after the offside component was presumably attended to, leaving the nearside advisory for slight wear still standing. This cluster of defects at the rear suspension is significant because the wear was deemed serious enough to fail the vehicle on two separate occasions within days, suggesting the rear axle bushes have reached the end of their service life rather than being borderline. Beyond the rear axle, the same January 2026 test recorded a non-functional rear fog lamp and an exhaust Lambda reading outside specified limits, indicating either a failing catalytic converter, lambda sensor issue, or an exhaust leak upstream of the sensor, all of which warrant further diagnostic investigation before purchase. Mileage accumulation has been modest across the seventeen year life of this vehicle, with the 94,227 recorded miles translating to roughly 5,543 miles annually. This is below average for a car of this age and may reflect periods of light use, extended standing, or simply a low-commute pattern, but it does mean wear items such as brake discs, suspension components, and tyres have accumulated mileage over a long calendar span, allowing age-related deterioration of rubber and polyurethane parts to progress. MOT testing frequency has been broadly consistent from 2022 onwards, with annual tests recorded in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and an unusually tight cluster of three tests in early 2026 alone, reflecting the failed and re-tested attempts. The earlier 2022 test flagged an advisible coolant leak, which should be investigated as a potential underlying issue given the vehicle's age, while the 2022 failure for a deep cut on the offside rear tyre reaching ply or cords represents a one-off safety defect rather than a recurring pattern. For any prospective buyer, the rear axle swivel pins and bushes flagged as excessively worn in January 2026 should be the primary focus of pre-purchase inspection, as replacement of these components on a Ford Fiesta typically requires press-out tooling and can involve labour costs that significantly affect the value calculation. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over bumps, uneven road surfaces, or when cornering, as worn rear bushes commonly produce audible complaints under load. Check the vehicle at rest by pushing laterally on each rear wheel to detect play in the stub axle assembly, and inspect the underside for any oily residue around the rear axle mounting points. The front brake discs were advised in February 2026 as worn, pitted, and scored on both sides, so brake pedal feel should be assessed for judder under firm application, and a spongy or pulsing pedal would confirm disc run-out beyond serviceable limits. Additionally, the deteriorated front exhaust flexi section flagged in 2026 should be examined for blowing sounds on overrun or visible cracking, while a Lambda reading outside limits in January points to possible catalytic converter efficiency loss, which can manifest as an MOT emissions failure or sluggish throttle response. Finally, verify the integrity of the rear fog lamp and confirm both registration plate lamps illuminate correctly, as these minor electrical items contributed to the recent failure history.