2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · CC09 CLC

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 October 2024 recorded a straightforward pass, with no advisories or defects logged against the vehicle. This clean outcome is encouraging on the surface, however when viewed against the broader history the pattern is one of intermittent but significant suspension, braking and under-bay component failure rather than gradual decline. Between 2020 and 2024 the Fiesta has accumulated three separate fail entries covering dangerous suspension arm ball joint wear, a fractured rear coil spring, severely worn front brake discs and pads, and unsafe front tyre structural integrity. While the intervening passes have generally been free of danger-level items, the recurring nature of advisories around heat shields, exhaust back box corrosion, brake disc pitting and steering rack inner joint play suggests an owner addressing advisories reactively at test time rather than maintaining components proactively. Overall the trend appears to be one of recurring mechanical wear that re-emerges relatively quickly after each test, rather than a stable or improving pattern. With a recorded mileage of 151,175 miles over approximately seventeen years, the Fiesta has averaged around 8,893 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a car of its vintage and segment. There are no obvious large mileage gaps in the recorded MOT data that would suggest extended periods off the road, indicating reasonably consistent use. However, at this overall mileage many wear items will be on their second or even third life, and components not directly visible on an MOT, such as the clutch, dual mass flywheel if applicable, engine mountings and ancillary drive belts, will be closer to end-of-service life than the odometer alone suggests. Prospective buyers should also note that a 2009 vehicle at this mileage has likely encountered urban stop-start traffic as well as longer runs, which compounds wear on braking and suspension components. The braking system warrants particular physical inspection. The 2023 fail recorded both inner front discs as being significantly worn alongside pads worn down to their wear indicators, and the 2021 advisory noted front disc pitting. Even though the 2024 test was clean, brake discs on a high-mileage Fiesta of this age are commonly warped or lipped, and caliper slide pins or pistons can begin to bind. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm application, feel for the vehicle pulling to one side under braking, and check that the car rolls freely when the handbrake is released, indicating caliper release. Inspect the discs visually for an obvious outer lip and for any blueing or heat scoring on the surface. The previous fractured rear coil spring is also a concern that should be physically checked; with the vehicle on level ground, examine the springs for any signs of cracking, sagging or uneven ride height, and listen for clonks over speed humps or uneven surfaces which may indicate tired suspension bushes, top mounts or anti-roll bar links, items frequently overlooked at MOT. Given the advisories relating to steering rack inner joint play recorded in 2021 and 2022, the steering system should be tested for any slackness or knocking, particularly when turning at low speed over a kerb or through full lock. The exhaust advisories around a corroded rear back box outer skin and loose heat shields are indicative of underfloor corrosion, so it is prudent to jack the vehicle and inspect the rear silencer, mounting rubbers, and heat shields for security and perforation. Given the age and mileage, attention should also be paid to age-related degradation not always captured by MOT testing: check the tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking even if tread depth is adequate, verify that the 12V battery is holding charge as units of this age frequently suffer from degraded capacity, and confirm the service book evidence for time-based replacement of coolant, brake fluid and engine oil, as calendar-aged fluids lose effectiveness irrespective of mileage. Finally, inspect the bodywork around the wheel arches, sills and suspension mounting points for structural corrosion, which on a 2009 Fiesta particularly affects the front suspension turrets and inner sill seams.