2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AP07 KAE

The vehicle was last presented for MOT on 25 February 2026 and achieved a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, marking the fourth consecutive pass following a failure in February 2023. The overall pattern suggests a stable and well-maintained maintenance trend, with the earlier 2023 failure limited to relatively minor items including a non-functioning offside stop lamp and ineffective windscreen wipers, and the more significant 2021 failure concerning a fractured offside front coil spring having been rectified. There is no recurring defect history or repeated advisory pattern across the recorded tests, which is reassuring and points to consistent post-failure rectification rather than neglect. The recorded mileage of 25,869 miles against a 2007 registration equates to approximately 1,362 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a nineteen-year-old supermini. Such limited annual usage typically indicates a vehicle that has either been used primarily for short journeys or has stood idle for prolonged periods, and this profile carries specific mechanical implications. Low mileage does not necessarily equate to a sound car; calendars, environment, and intermittent use often impose as much degradation on certain components as active wear does on others. Components that suffer from standing rather than use are of particular relevance here. A prospective buyer should focus on age-related deterioration rather than purely mileage-related wear. Tyres are a primary concern, as even unused tyres suffer sidewall perishing and cracking from ozone and UV exposure over nineteen years, so a close inspection of the sidewalls for crazing and checking the DOT date code is essential, regardless of tread depth. Brake discs and calipers are highly susceptible to corrosion from standing, particularly on a vehicle regularly exposed to damp UK conditions, so look for binding calipers, severe surface corrosion, and scoring on the visible edges of the discs, and listen for any brake shudder or dragging sensation on a test drive. The 12V battery is almost certainly original in spirit if not in fact, and a low-mileage car that has stood between infrequent short runs is the classic profile for battery failure; have it load-tested before purchase. Cooling system hoses, drive belts, and the timing belt or chain service interval status should be verified against documented service records, as calendar-based degradation of rubber and polymer components does not respect odometer readings. On a road test, listen carefully for suspension clunks, knocks, or harshness over uneven surfaces, as coil springs on a vehicle of this age and standing profile can suffer from fatigue corrosion independent of the prior recorded fracture, and check the condition of the suspension bushes for perishing. Inspect the exhaust system for external corrosion and ensure all fluid levels including brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil are fresh, as brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades on a time basis regardless of mileage. Verify the service book stamps to confirm time-based servicing such as cambelt replacement, which on a 2007 Ford Fiesta would typically be due at five- or six-year intervals, and check for any evidence of regular short journeys only, which can leave the engine prone to oil dilution and carbon build-up. Finally, confirm all exterior lighting, wiper function, and washers operate correctly, as the 2023 failure history indicates that minor electrical and visibility items have been an occasional weakness on this vehicle.