2008 Ford Fiesta 2.0L Petrol · CE08 ACO

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift from minor exhaust issues to developing mechanical defects. The most recent test in January 2025 at 107,416 miles identified several new concerns including a distorted nearside front road wheel, a binding offside rear service brake, and wear on both rear axle swivel pins and bushes. While the car passed, the accumulation of these suspension and braking faults suggests the vehicle is beginning to suffer age-related degradation despite its low mileage. The mileage profile is notably low for an 18-year-old Ford, averaging approximately 6,000 miles per year. Data shows a consistent but slow progression, with only 2,329 miles covered between October 2023 and January 2025. However, the gap of nearly 4,000 miles between 2021 and 2022 suggests periods of intermittent use which can lead to components seizing, as evidenced by the perished nearside rear tyre noted in the October 2022 test. A physical inspection must focus heavily on the suspension and braking system due to recurring faults. The rear axle bushes flagged in 2025 indicate that the geometry is shifting, which will eventually require replacement to maintain handling stability. The buyer should verify the offside rear brake caliper to ensure the binding condition has not caused uneven pad wear or damage to the disc. Additionally, the steering rack leak reported in 2022 needs to be monitored for progression, as fluid leaks in these components typically worsen over time if not addressed.