2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · CE10 FHT

The most recent MOT inspection for this Ford Fiesta on 22 April 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance trend is concerningly negative. The history shows a pattern of escalating structural and mechanical deterioration rather than proactive upkeep. While the vehicle passed in 2024 and 2026, the recent failure in April 2026 for a dangerous offside front wheel bearing indicates that critical components are being allowed to reach the point of failure before intervention. Furthermore, the persistence of corrosion advisories across multiple years suggests that underlying issues are being noted but not fully rectified, moving the vehicle from minor wear towards significant structural compromise. With approximately 82,110 miles covered over 16 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 5,132 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, which often implies the car has been used for short, infrequent journeys or has spent extended periods stationary. While low mileage can suggest less drivetrain wear, in this specific case, it likely contributes to the observed issues. Long periods of standing can accelerate corrosion on suspension components and brake discs, and can lead to the degradation of rubber bushes and seals. The low annual usage does not appear to have protected the vehicle from the typical age-related decay seen in older, low-use vehicles, particularly regarding oxidation and structural integrity. A prospective buyer must exercise extreme caution regarding the reported corrosion. The latest advisory notes that the offside front outer sill is corroded and holed outside prescribed areas, which is a serious structural defect that may require significant welding to ensure the vehicle's integrity. You should inspect the underside of the car thoroughly for further signs of advanced rot. Additionally, the recurring advisories for corroded rear coil springs suggest these are nearing the end of their service life; listen for loud clunks or metallic banging when driving over speed bumps or uneven surfaces, as a snapped spring can cause sudden loss of stability. The history of worn rear axle bushes and ball joints also suggests the suspension geometry may be compromised, which can manifest as uneven tyre wear or a vague, wandering sensation through the steering wheel. During a test drive, pay close attention to any humming or grinding noises from the front end, which would indicate the recent wheel bearing repair was insufficient or that other bearings are failing. Check for any oil leaks under the engine bay, as a persistent oil leak has been noted since at least 2022, which could indicate aging gaskets or seals that may soon require more expensive repairs. Given the low annual mileage, verify the condition of the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which occurs when rubber ages without being flexed by regular driving. Finally, ensure the service history is documented to confirm that fluids such as brake fluid and coolant have been changed based on time intervals rather than just mileage, as these fluids degrade chemically even when the car is not in motion.