2002 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · AP02 AEB

The vehicle is currently unroadworthy and exhibits a clear trend of worsening structural and mechanical decline. The most recent test in March 2024 at 125,346 miles resulted in a critical failure due to significant structural compromise. The tester identified corrosion in the sills and floor that reduced the rigidity of the body assembly. This terminal defect, combined with total failure of the parking brake and corroded brake pipes, indicates that the vehicle has reached the end of its practical life for road use. The mileage pattern is notably low for a 24-year-old car, averaging approximately 5,223 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant gap in records between January 2020 and September 2022, where the car covered only 503 miles over nearly thirty-two months. This period of low use often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and fluid systems, as evidenced by the deteriorated brake hoses and seized wheel bearings noted in the 2022 test. The low mileage suggests long periods standing which likely exacerbated the oxidation of the metalwork. A buyer must prioritize a thorough structural inspection of the chassis, as the record shows a recurring history of escalating rust. From the 2020 failure regarding the inner sill corrosion to the 2024 failure of the floor and sills, the integrity of the vehicle is fundamentally failing. The braking system also shows chronic neglect, with multiple failures recorded for parking brake efficiency, lagging calipers, and corroded pipes across several years. The presence of damaged anti-roll bar linkages and worn wheel bearings in 2022 further confirms that mechanical maintenance was reactive rather than proactive.