2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · BK04 FXY

The 2004 Ford Fiesta presents a mixed roadworthiness profile where most of its MOT history has been stable with occasional isolated issues rather than a consistent pattern of degradation. The vehicle successfully passed its November 2025 MOT with only a minor advisory concerning nearside front tyres showing slight damage or cracking, and it also cleared subsequent tests in 2024 and 2023 with varying degrees of severity. A critical failure occurred in November 2023 when the car was found to have a major failure involving non-functional rear stop lamps alongside a minor exhaust gas leak and coolant concerns, but the 2025 pass indicates the underlying problems were resolved before that test. Overall, the record demonstrates intermittent reliability with the most recent assessment confirming the car remains roadworthy, albeit with specific component attention required. At 22 years of age with approximately 129,767 miles recorded, the Fiesta accumulates roughly 5,900 miles annually, which represents substantially less wear than would be expected for its model year given the passage of two decades. The gap between the 2023 failed test and the 2024 successful MOT provides evidence of gradual improvement in condition, while the 2025 pass confirms sustained reliability following remediation efforts. However, the low mileage combined with a single major failure in late 2023 raises questions about whether certain systems may have been neglected during prolonged periods of inactivity, particularly noting that the last pre-2023 test was a clean pass in February 2022. The annual accumulation rate being so modest compared to typical usage patterns suggests the vehicle may have experienced extended stand-down periods rather than heavy daily use. The suspension system warrants particular scrutiny given documented wear on nearside and offside rear suspension arms and bushings across multiple MOT cycles, with the 2022 and 2023 assessments both flagging worn pins or bush connections that did not cause excessive movement at the time but may now require closer monitoring. Test drives should listen for any clunking or skipping over bumps, especially through the rear suspension, and inspect the nearside rear stop lamps for proper illumination as they were reported non-functional during the 2023 failure. The exhaust system showed a persistent minor leak throughout several years, indicated by advisory notation on the 2022 and 2023 tests, so checking for unusual odours, smoke, or vibration around the rear silencer area is advisable. Additionally, the coolant system was flagged in 2021 and again noted as low in 2023, suggesting potential cooling issues that could manifest as overheating under load or abnormal temperature indicators. Regarding the rear stop lamps, verify that both left and right units operate correctly on each test drive, as their simultaneous failure in 2023 represented a significant safety concern related to pedestrian visibility. The registration plate lamp issue, present in both 2022 and 2023 assessments, should be confirmed functional to ensure compliance with road lighting standards. For the suspension, examine the rear suspension bushings for signs of play or noise during cornering and braking, as worn bushings can develop audible knocking or a hopping sensation through the chassis. If the coolant level was low in prior tests, monitor the radiator cap and thermostat operation during warm-up to rule out potential overheating events, although no current failure is recorded. Given the overall pattern of isolated rather than systemic failures, the car appears capable of reliable use provided these specific areas receive periodic attention.