2004 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AX54 EOE

At first glance, the DVSA history for this 2004 Ford Fiesta presents an unusually sparse and mechanically opaque record, with the only documented test on 2 October 2021 simultaneously recorded as both a PASS and a FAIL on the same date with no defects listed under either entry. This unusual dual coding is a recognised DVSA administrative anomaly typically associated with a vehicle being presented for a retest or experiencing a tester system entry issue, rather than an indication of a specific component failure. The absence of any advisory entries means there is no formal record of wear items such as exhaust corrosion, brake disc lipping, suspension bush deterioration, or tyre condition. From a roadworthiness documentation standpoint, however, the lack of detailed defect data from this 2021 event means a prospective buyer has very little verified evidence of the mechanical state at that time, and the gap between that test and the present day leaves approximately five years of unrecorded wear and degradation. The recorded mileage of 151,737 miles on a 22-year-old vehicle equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 6,897 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this era and demographic. The absence of any recorded mileage entries between 2004 and 2021 creates a significant informational void, meaning the actual rate of wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox synchros, engine internals, and turbocharger if fitted cannot be confirmed. Furthermore, the lack of any MOT tests recorded after October 2021 suggests the vehicle may have either been off the road subject to a Statutory Off Road Notification, used in an exempt category, or operated without valid testing during a period when its age would mandate annual assessment. A mileage of this magnitude on a small Ford Fiesta of this generation places considerable demand on suspension geometry, engine mounts, and exhaust system integrity, particularly given the model's known susceptibility to rear axle and exhaust corrosion. Given the administrative ambiguity in the 2021 test record and the absence of documented advisories, a pre-purchase inspection should be treated as essential rather than optional, focusing on areas commonly affected on high-mileage Mk6 and Mk7 Fiesta chassis. On a road test, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, listening for clonking or knocking over uneven surfaces which would indicate worn lower wishbone bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar mountings, and feeling for any vagueness in the steering or uneven tyre wear which would point to track rod or ball joint deterioration. The braking system should be assessed for pulling to one side under moderate pedal pressure, suggesting binding caliper slides or uneven pad deposition, alongside pedal travel and feel which can reveal master cylinder wear or rear drum adjuster malfunctions. Under the bonnet, the test drive should be conducted with the engine both cold and fully warm to expose any thermal issues, paying close attention to the Zetec or Duratec unit's susceptibility to oil leaks from the cam cover gasket and rear main seal, as well as coolant loss from the thermostat housing and ageing rubber hoses. Exhaust smoke should be observed under hard acceleration to check for blue oil-burning indications or excessive white vapour that could suggest head gasket distress, while a listen for timing chain rattle on cold start would be prudent given the mileage. Finally, because the rear of this generation of Fiesta is notorious for structural corrosion affecting the rear axle, spring mounts, and floor pans, a thorough visual examination from beneath the vehicle on a ramp is strongly advised, as any advanced perforation in these areas would compromise the structural integrity of the car and render it beyond economical repair.