2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · AV04 SFK

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by persistent and worsening structural and fluid-related issues. While it passed its most recent MOT on 7 August 2025 at 121,938 miles, the record shows a long-term pattern of escalating corrosion. The tester flagged corroded front and rear subframes, a corroded rear vehicle structure, and corroded brake pipes. Although the inspector noted that structural rigidity is not significantly reduced at this stage, the recurrence of these faults across multiple years suggests a vehicle that is steadily succumbing to age-related degradation. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,500 miles per year over its 22-year lifespan. This low usage is evident in the progression from 78,812 miles in March 2014 to 121,938 miles in August 2025. However, the data suggests that the vehicle may be subject to the typical pitfalls of low-mileage cars, such as moisture retention and oxidation. The consistent presence of corrosion on brake pipes, coil springs, and subframes, alongside an oil leak noted in both 2024 and 2025, implies that the vehicle has likely spent significant periods stationary or in environments that promote rust. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the underside to assess the true extent of the corrosion. The MOT history highlights a chronic issue with brake pipe corrosion and a recurring oil leak that has remained present for at least two years. The presence of light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber and the recent report of slight play in both front track rod end ball joints indicate that suspension components are reaching the end of their service life. The structural integrity of the sills and floor pans requires immediate attention, particularly following the 2022 advisory regarding corrosion in the rear axle area and inner sills. While the current MOT status is a pass, the combination of widespread corrosion, leaking components, and deteriorating suspension parts suggests that significant remedial work will be required to maintain roadworthiness in the near future. Focus should be placed on verifying whether the reported corrosion is merely surface-level or if it has progressed to a point that threatens the vehicle's long-term viability.