2007 Ford Fiesta 2.0L Petrol · BV07 VGU

The car has a pattern of recurrent mechanical difficulties stretching back nearly a decade, with the most recent MOT conducted on 2021-10-07 showing a successful outcome after a series of serious failures. Between 2017 and 2021 the vehicle suffered multiple failing assessments including nearside and offside rear wheel bearing roughness, exhaust system insecurity, compromised lighting systems, and structural damage to the rear tyre and mirror assembly. While the October 2021 test cleared the vehicle, the cumulative effect of these incidents—particularly the dangerous wheel bearing failures and the compromised exhaust mount—means that any assessment of current roadworthiness must consider that underlying issues may persist even after passing. The latest clean test does not erase the history of critical faults, and buyers should treat the vehicle with appropriate caution despite the recent passing result. At 93,952 miles on a 2007 model, the annual accumulation rate of approximately 4,945 miles is unusually low for a car of this age and type, suggesting either very limited driving or extended periods of storage between service intervals. The gap between the 2017 and 2019 MOTs spans just over two years, followed by another failure in June 2019, then clearances until October 2021, indicating irregular maintenance schedules and potentially inconsistent service intervals. This usage profile contrasts sharply with the normal wear expectations for such a high mileage vehicle, meaning components that normally degrade within expected ranges—such as suspension bushings, brake pads, and drivetrain seals—may have seen accelerated deterioration due to prolonged immobility or uneven operating cycles. The low odometer reading coupled with the documented history of bearing failures and structural damage warrants particular scrutiny of how the vehicle has been actually used versus how the records appear to suggest. The nearside and offside rear wheel bearings were reported with excessive play in the 2021-10-04 failure, and these linkages should be thoroughly inspected during a test drive for any lingering looseness, especially when navigating turns where wheel movement is amplified. The central exhaust system was also deemed insecure at that time, so listening for hissing sounds under acceleration or braking and physically checking all clamps and mounting bolts for tightness is essential. Additionally, the offside rear tyre presented exposed ply or cords, a sign of serious structural compromise that requires examination for further delamination, sidewall cracking, or complete loss of casing integrity, as this affects handling and safety. These specific defects demand direct physical verification rather than assumption based solely on the written MOT report. Beyond the wheel bearings and exhaust, the original 2019 failure included a damaged rear view mirror impairing the rear field of vision and non-functional front position lamps, both of which should be verified during the test drive to confirm full illumination functionality. The washersystem failure identified in 2019-06-06 also points to potential windshield wiper motor issues or washer fluid delivery problems that could recur if the system was never properly repaired. Finally, given the history of wet-weather related defects and the proximity of the damaged rear tyre to a compromised subframe, inspecting the vehicle's chassis and rear suspension bushings for rust or corrosion will help determine whether the structural integrity remains adequate for safe operation. A comprehensive test drive focusing on corner entry and exit, acceleration response, and brake performance will reveal whether the past failures have left lasting mechanical weaknesses that the recent passing MOT did not fully address.