1981 Ford Fiesta 1.8L Petrol · CGP 768X

A recurring theme of rear suspension bush wear and wheel‑arch clearance problems runs through the MOT history, with the latest test on 22 July 2026 recording advisories for both rear suspension arm pins/bushes and tyres protruding beyond the arches, while the preceding test a day earlier added major failures for the windscreen washer and rear fog lamp. Earlier records from 2007 and 2010 also flagged excessive corrosion on front suspension mounting areas, play in trailing‑arm bushes and rear chassis legs, and a missing rear obligatory mirror, indicating that structural and suspension wear has been a persistent concern rather than an isolated incident. The odometer reads 78,296 mi after 45 years, averaging roughly 1,740 mi per annum – a very low annual accumulation that suggests the car has spent considerable periods idle or been used only sparingly. The long intervals between recorded tests (a three‑year gap from 2007 to 2010 and a sixteen‑year gap to 2026) mean that many rubber and metal components have aged without the benefit of regular road‑wear cycling, which can accelerate deterioration of bushings, seals and corrosion‑prone areas even when mileage is modest. When inspecting the rear suspension, feel for any looseness or knocking when the car is driven over bumps; excessive play in the arm pins or bushings will manifest as a clunk or a vague wandering of the rear wheels. Examine the wheel arches for tyre rub marks or bulging sidewalls that would confirm the protrusion advisory, and verify that the tyre sidewalls are free of cracks that could be exacerbated by limited flexing over time. Check the windscreen washer system for adequate fluid delivery and spray pattern, and confirm that the rear fog lamp illuminates correctly, as both were flagged as major failures in the most recent MOT. Given the historic corrosion of front suspension mounting points, front chassis legs and rear chassis elements, a visual inspection for rust, especially around the trailing‑arm bushes and the area where the rear exhaust is supported, is essential; any rust‑induced weakening could lead to mounting failure or exhaust vibration. Verify the parking brake’s holding ability and the overall brake balance by applying the pedal firmly at low speed and listening for uneven pull or pulsation, reflecting the 2010 brake‑efficiency and imbalance failures. Finally, ensure the rear obligatory mirror is fitted and securely mounted, as its absence was recorded as a safety defect. A thorough mechanical inspection addressing these specific items will reveal whether the vehicle’s underlying structural and suspension condition matches its low‑mileage profile.