2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AX08 ACO

The 2008 Ford Fiesta most recently passed its MOT on 9 May 2026, but this pass followed a failed attempt just four days earlier and should be viewed with some caution rather than as a clean bill of health. The earlier failure listed three major defects, namely an ABS warning lamp indicating a fault, a fractured offside front coil spring, and excessive play in the nearside track rod end ball joint, alongside advisories for a non-functioning seat tilt and a minor exhaust gas leak from the front flexible section. These same advisories carried over onto the subsequent pass, confirming they remain unrepaired. Looking across the recent MOT history, the trend is clearly worsening rather than stable or improving. The 2025 test produced four major failures, including the ABS fault (which has now persisted across two consecutive test cycles), a fractured nearside front coil spring (with a different spring now failing on the opposite side), a worn offside front drive shaft bearing, a split CV boot, and an incorrect headlamp beam image. Each annual inspection has introduced new advisories covering braking, suspension, steering, exhaust, and structural components, indicating an accumulation of wear that has not been comprehensively addressed. Against an 18-year vehicle age, the recorded mileage of 164,007 miles equates to roughly 9,112 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a Fiesta of this vintage. There are no large unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage, suggesting consistent year-round use rather than long periods of standing, which is generally favourable from a corrosion and battery perspective but does mean that mechanical wear items have been worked hard. The earlier ABS issue dates back to at least 2025 and the fractured nearside coil spring was also flagged that year, yet a different spring is now reported as broken on the opposite side in 2026. This pattern points to springs that are at the end of their service life, with the remaining springs on the car likely to be close to failure as well. A prospective buyer should carry out a thorough physical inspection and a careful test drive. The fractured coil spring on the offside front should be repaired immediately, but the nearside front spring, which failed in 2025 and presumably was replaced, should be checked for correct grade and quality of replacement. On the road, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension over bumps, particularly on full lock, and feel for any wandering or imprecise steering response, both of which would indicate further spring, bush, or steering component deterioration. The unresolved track rod end play and the ABS warning lamp fault are safety-critical and must be diagnosed and rectified; a scanner should be used to identify whether the ABS issue relates to a wheel speed sensor, ring, or the control unit itself. On test drive, perform several emergency stops from around 30 mph to check for any pulling to one side, pedal vibration, or unusual noises that could suggest caliper binding, warped brake discs, or hydraulic issues, particularly given the 2023 advisory regarding worn and pitted inner front brake discs and the possibility that these have progressed further. Inspect the CV boots on both sides for fresh splits or grease contamination, and check the front exhaust flexible section for active gas leaks, soot staining, or corrosion that could worsen quickly. Beyond the recorded defects, the high mileage and age warrant several age-related checks. Inspect all tyres closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, paying particular attention to the offside rear which was previously flagged for tyre damage, and confirm that the wheels previously noted as slightly distorted have not been balanced or replaced, as distorted rims can cause persistent vibration and uneven tyre wear. Verify the timing belt or chain replacement history according to Ford's schedule, and check that the cam belt, water pump, and ancillary drive belt have been changed within the recommended interval. Inspect the coolant system for the leak noted in 2022, looking for staining around the water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator, and confirm that the coolant has been refreshed to prevent internal corrosion and winter freezing. Check the condition and charge of the 12V battery, examine the front wheel bearing noted as noisy in 2022 for any renewed roughness, and review the service book for evidence of regular brake fluid, transmission oil, and spark plug changes. Given the volume of unresolved advisories, the recurrence of major suspension and braking failures, and the high overall mileage, this vehicle should be priced accordingly and ideally subjected to an independent pre-purchase inspection before commitment.