2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · CP57 LEJ

An otherwise clean MOT record is marred by an unexplained failure logged in November 2023; the test entry shows a failure on 14 November 2023 but records no specific defects, while a separate entry on the same date records a pass. Apart from that anomaly, the car has passed its four other recent tests (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025) with no recorded faults, indicating that no major safety‑critical items have been flagged by the DVSA in the last five years. At 114,104 miles for a 2007 model, the average annual accumulation is roughly 6,000 miles, which sits comfortably within typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage progression appears steady, with no abrupt spikes that would suggest periods of intensive short‑term use. Such a moderate mileage profile generally means that consumables such as tyre tread, brake pads and clutch components are likely to be within normal wear limits, but it also implies the car has spent a substantial amount of time in service, so age‑related degradation of rubber bushings, seals and corrosion‑prone areas should be expected. Given the lack of specific MOT defects, a prospective buyer should focus the inspection on the usual wear points of a 19‑year‑old Fiesta. Check the front and rear suspension for any knocking or excessive play when driving over bumps, and feel for looseness in the steering column. Inspect the brake discs and pads for uneven wear, scoring or glazing, and test the pedal for a firm, consistent feel without pulsation. Examine the under‑body for any signs of rust around the subframe, wheel arches and exhaust hangers, and look for oil or coolant leaks around the engine bay, especially at the valve cover gasket and coolant hoses. On the road test, listen for any rattles from the dashboard or footwell that could indicate loose interior trim or worn mounting bolts, and watch for any pull to one side under steady braking that might reveal brake caliper binding. Verify that all lights, indicators and windscreen wipers operate correctly, as these are routinely checked during MOT. Finally, request clarification of the 2023 failure from the seller or the testing centre; an unexplained failure may hide a minor defect that was not recorded, and confirming its nature will help avoid unexpected repairs after purchase.