2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · CF53 NSO

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a stable trend of recurring mechanical degradation and fluid leaks. While the most recent test in January 2026 at 66,984 miles passed, it continued to flag long-standing issues including a non-excessive oil leak and corrosion on the rear brake pipes. The persistence of these faults across the last five tests suggests a reactive approach to maintenance where only the minimum requirements to pass the MOT are addressed rather than preventative replacement of aging components. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 66,984 miles is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 3,045 miles per year. The data shows a consistent low-usage pattern, with intervals of roughly 2,300 to 3,000 miles between annual tests since 2022. While this low mileage reduces wear on the engine and drivetrain, it often leads to the accelerated degradation of rubber components and seals due to inactivity, which is consistent with the deteriorated suspension arm ball joint dust covers noted in the record. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the braking system, as corroded brake pipes have been a recurring failure in every test since at least 2022. The tester noted grease covering the nearside rear brake pipe in 2026, which often masks the extent of structural corrosion on the metal. The persistent oil leak, specifically identified as originating from the gearbox in 2024, requires monitoring to ensure it is not progressing toward a more significant seal failure. Additionally, the history of inner-edge tyre wear on the front axle in 2022 indicates a potential alignment issue or worn suspension bushings that should be verified to prevent premature tyre replacement.