2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · D11 DAP

This vehicle presents a mixed roadworthiness profile marked by a recent failure followed by a return to compliance, indicating a period of mechanical concern that has since been rectified. The most recent inspection on 16 June 2025 resulted in a pass with no defects, whereas the preceding test on 21 June 2024 concluded in a failure. Despite the single failure, the broader trend over the last three years shows a stable history of roadworthiness, with successful tests recorded in June 2023 and June 2022. The absence of specific defect codes in the pass records suggests that the 2024 failure may have been due to a procedural issue or a specific item not yet flagged in the advisory list, though the subsequent pass confirms the vehicle is currently road legal. The recorded mileage of 62,929 miles over approximately 16 years reflects an extremely low annual accumulation rate of roughly 3,933 miles per year, which significantly influences the mechanical condition of the vehicle. Such low usage often leads to premature degradation of non-wearing components rather than mechanical wear and tear on the drivetrain. Consequently, prospective buyers should scrutinize the condition of rubber components, including the timing belt, serpentine belt, and radiator hoses, as these materials can become brittle or cracked despite minimal physical stress. Additionally, the low mileage suggests the vehicle may have spent significant periods in a stationary state, raising the potential for issues related to fluid stagnation in the brake and cooling systems, which can lead to internal corrosion or seal failure over time. Given the lack of specific advisories in the MOT history, the mechanical focus should shift to components susceptible to age-related degradation rather than usage-related wear. Inspect the condition of the vehicle's suspension bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, as these rubber components can harden and crack even with minimal movement. During the test drive, listen for any clunking noises over speed bumps or when turning the steering wheel, which may indicate worn ball joints or track rod ends. Furthermore, verify the operation of the brake master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir, as low-mileage vehicles are prone to internal seal failure in the master cylinder due to fluid stagnation, which can lead to a soft brake pedal or brake fade under heavy braking. Pay close attention to the exhaust system, particularly the mounting points and the catalytic converter, as these can corrode from the inside out in vehicles that are not driven hard enough to generate the heat required to burn off carbon deposits. Check the condition of the tyres for age-related cracking (peripheral cracking) rather than just tread depth, as low-mileage tyres often fail MOTs due to age rather than wear. Finally, examine the vehicle's underbody for signs of corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, which are common failure points for a 2010 model regardless of mileage. Ensure the vehicle starts reliably and idles smoothly to rule out issues with fuel injectors or spark plugs that may have fouled due to prolonged inactivity.