2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · BK58 OTT

Chronic corrosion of the offside rear coil spring and perishing of the nearside rear tyre have become recurring themes in the recent testing history, appearing in consecutive tests from 2025 through to the most recent pass on 29 September 2026. While the vehicle maintained a clean record between 2020 and 2024, the emergence of these persistent advisories, alongside a major failure for an anti-roll bar linkage dust cover in 2025, indicates a shift toward age-related degradation of suspension and rubber components. The recorded mileage of 61,568 miles is notably low for an eighteen year old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,420 miles per year. Such a low annual accumulation rate often correlates with the type of degradation seen in the MOT history, where rubber components like tyres and dust covers perish due to age and standing rather than through high-mileage wear. This usage pattern suggests the vehicle has spent significant periods stationary, which can accelerate the corrosion of exposed suspension elements such as the rear coil springs. Attention should be directed toward the rear suspension and tyres, as the offside rear coil spring and nearside rear tyre have been flagged as defective or corroded for two consecutive years. During a physical inspection, the rear tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking and the coil springs for significant surface rust or pitting. The previous failure of the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover suggests a vulnerability in the front suspension linkages that requires verification to ensure the repair was carried out to a standard that prevents future joint failure. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, which would indicate further deterioration of the suspension bushes or linkages. The braking system should be evaluated for any lack of bite or abnormal noise, given that the front brake pads were recorded as wearing thin in 2025. Additionally, verify the operation of all lighting, specifically the non-obligatory stop lamp flagged in the latest 2026 test, to ensure the electrical system is functioning as intended.