2005 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · AU05 MXT

The 2005 Ford Fiesta passed its most recent MOT on 15 August 2025 at 111,127 miles, but the record reveals a worsening trend in corrosion and suspension wear that demands caution. The vehicle failed the same test three days earlier on 12 August 2025 at 111,126 miles, with four excessively corroded brake pipes flagged as dangerous failures. Although those pipes were replaced or cleaned in time for the retest, the pass was not clean. Multiple advisories remained, including corroded rear chassis mounts near both axle locations, severely deteriorated front suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both sides, and a slight oil weep from the steering rack. A rear tyre was also worn close to the legal limit. The pattern across the last three years shows recurring rear brake pipe corrosion and progressive suspension component degradation, indicating the car has been maintained reactively rather than preventatively. The annual mileage of roughly 5,292 miles is low for a 21-year-old vehicle, suggesting light use or extended periods of standing. The MOT record shows a gap of nearly 13,000 miles between the August 2024 test at 97,653 miles and the August 2025 test at 111,127 miles, which is plausible for a sparingly driven car. However, the jump from 93,874 miles in July 2023 to 97,653 miles in August 2024 represents only about 3,779 miles in over a year, reinforcing the low-use profile. The mileage progression is broadly consistent, with no dramatic spikes, but the low annual distance raises the possibility that the car has spent long periods stationary, which can accelerate brake pipe corrosion and cause suspension bushes to dry out or perish. Buyers should focus their inspection on the underside, particularly the rear brake pipes, rear chassis mounts near the axle, and the structural sill area around the rear beam mounting. The July 2025 failure recorded excessive corrosion on a central rear chassis mounting within 30cm of the body mount, a structural concern that warrants close scrutiny even though the August 2025 pass downgraded the rear chassis corrosion to a non-critical advisory. The front suspension arm ball joint dust covers have been repeatedly flagged as severely deteriorated or missing, meaning dirt and moisture have likely entered the joints. Check for play in the front lower ball joints and anti-roll bar linkage joints, as dust cover failure accelerates wear on those components. The steering rack has shown a slight oil weep across multiple tests, so inspect the rack boots and pipe connections for active leakage. The rear coil spring corrosion noted in July 2025 and the worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes recorded in August 2024 suggest the rear suspension has been deteriorating gradually. Examine both rear coil springs for pitting or cracking, and check the rear beam bushes for movement. Tyre wear has appeared on the rear axle in multiple years, which may indicate alignment issues or simply deferred replacement. Overall, the car is roadworthy as of its latest test, but the accumulation of corrosion-related advisories and suspension wear points to a vehicle that has not been consistently well maintained underneath. A thorough underside inspection by a qualified mechanic before purchase is strongly advised.