2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · CV09 JXM

The 2009 Ford Fiesta presents a stable roadworthiness record in its most recent MOT tests, with the June 2025 inspection at 77,458 miles showing no defects—a clear improvement from the two consecutive fails in September 2024 and July 2023, both at identical mileages (74,378 and 69,198 respectively). The absence of defects in the latest test suggests that any underlying issues prompting the earlier failures have either been resolved or are not recurring. However, the repeated failures at the same mileages—without any recorded defects—raise questions about whether the vehicle was presented for retesting after minor repairs or adjustments rather than addressing deeper mechanical concerns. The clean pass in June 2025 indicates the car met all DVSA standards at that point, but the pattern of back-to-back fails at lower mileages implies potential inconsistencies in maintenance or testing procedures. The Fiesta’s mileage accumulation is notably low for its age, averaging just 4,556 miles per year over 17 years—a figure that suggests either infrequent use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gaps between tests are irregular: nearly a year between the July 2023 fails and the September 2024 retests, followed by another three-month interval before the June 2025 pass. Such spacing could indicate the vehicle was stored for extended periods, which may contribute to issues like seized components or degraded fluids if not properly maintained during downtime. The lack of mileage progression between the two 2023 and 2024 fails (both at 69,198 and 74,378 miles respectively) is particularly odd and may warrant clarification from the seller. Given the absence of defects in the MOT history, there are no obvious red flags for structural or mechanical failure. However, a prospective buyer should still verify critical areas in person. The repeated fails without recorded defects could hint at minor but unresolved issues, such as intermittent brake binding, suspension wear, or electrical faults that might not always manifest during testing. Inspect the brake system closely for uneven wear, binding calipers, or soft brake pedals, as these are common reasons for retesting. Check the suspension components—particularly bushings, coil springs, and ball joints—for excessive wear or corrosion, especially if the car has spent time in damp conditions. Structural integrity should also be assessed, focusing on sills, wheel arches, and underbody corrosion, which can develop insidiously in low-mileage vehicles left unused for long periods. Fluid levels—oil, brake fluid, and coolant—should be checked for degradation, as stagnant fluids can degrade over time.