2003 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · CE53 FPJ

The 2024‑12‑17 MOT at 103,488 miles records a failure, meaning the vehicle is presently not roadworthy. The maintenance trend is clearly worsening, as corrosion of integral bodywork, brake hose ferrules, and the rear sub‑frame has intensified since the 2023 test, and service and parking brake efficiencies have fallen below requirements for the first time. At 23 years old, the recorded mileage of 103,488 equates to roughly 4,500 miles per year, a figure that is low for a car of this age and suggests prolonged periods of inactivity. Mileage gaps are evident: the jump from 72,973 miles in 2016 to 80,772 in 2017 represents an increase of 7,800 miles in a single year, while the period from 2019 to 2020 saw only a 3,100‑mile rise, indicating that the car has spent considerable time stationary, which can accelerate rust and fluid degradation. A buyer should therefore inspect the rear sub‑frame for severe corrosion and structural weakening, verify that all four brake hoses are free of excessive corrosion and that the rear hydraulic brake cylinder is securely mounted, and test the service and parking brake efficiency. Particular attention must be given to the corroded suspension arms, coil springs, and any play in the track‑rod end ball joint, as these components have repeatedly appeared on the advisory list. The presence of multiple oil leaks and an inoperative engine MIL should be confirmed as non‑critical or remedied. If the seller can provide evidence of immediate remedial work—such as replacement of the rear sub‑frame, renewal of brake hoses, and correction of brake efficiency—the vehicle may become acceptable; otherwise the extensive rust and brake deficiencies constitute a significant safety risk that should be avoided.