2008 Ford Fusion 1.6L Petrol · CF57 DVT

The most recent MOT, carried out on 18 June 2026, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. Over the preceding six‑year period the car showed a single major failure in May 2025 – involving an ABS fault, ineffective front wipers and a fractured nearside front coil spring – but subsequent tests in 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020 were all clean, and the 2025‑06 advisory items were also cleared. This pattern suggests that the major issues identified were remedied promptly and that the vehicle’s maintenance trajectory has stabilised and is now improving. At 86,936 miles recorded for an 18‑year‑old 2008 Ford Fusion the average annual mileage works out at roughly 4,800 mi, well below the typical UK usage of 7‑10 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of infrequent use or extended storage, which can be as consequential as high mileage in terms of component ageing. While the reduced wear on engine and drivetrain parts is a benefit, prolonged inactivity can accelerate rubber and polymer degradation, promote corrosion on brake lines and exhaust, and allow battery capacity to diminish, all of which must be verified before purchase. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the items that have recurred in the MOT record. The nearside rear brake pipe was noted as corroded and coated in grease in both 2025, so a visual inspection of the pipe for rust, pitting or fluid leakage is essential, and the brake pedal should feel firm without sponginess. Verify that the fractured front coil spring has been replaced by checking for a uniform spring height and listening for any clunk or creak from the nearside front suspension when driving over bumps. The ABS warning lamp that triggered the 2025 failure must be confirmed clear; a diagnostic scan should be performed to ensure the ABS control module and wheel speed sensors are functioning correctly. The off‑side rear tyre was flagged as slightly damaged or perishing, so examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulges and confirm that tread depth is even across all four tyres; any signs of perishing may indicate the need for a full tyre set replacement. Given the vehicle’s age and modest mileage, a thorough age‑related inspection is prudent. Check the 12‑volt battery for voltage and cranking performance, as electrolytes can deteriorate even when the car sits idle. Inspect all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and any signs of contamination; fluids older than three years generally require replacement. Examine suspension bushings, ball joints and shock absorbers for cracking or excessive play, and look for rust on chassis members, especially around the wheel arches and under the floorpan, which can be hidden by corrosion‑resistant coatings. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended time‑based component replacements, as a well‑documented maintenance history will give confidence that the low‑mileage usage has not masked age‑related wear.