1987 Ford Sierra 1.8L Petrol · D281 FAJ

The Ford Sierra failed its most recent MOT on 1 November 2024 at 17,512 miles, leaving its current roadworthiness unconfirmed by a valid pass. The maintenance trend cannot be classed as stable, worsening, or improving from the record alone, as the two prior tests passed cleanly with no advisories and the only failure carries no listed defects, suggesting an administrative or unrecorded issue rather than progressive mechanical decline. Recorded mileage shows very light use for a 39-year-old vehicle. The tester logged 12,323 miles in September 2022, 15,902 miles in October 2023, and 17,512 miles in November 2024. That is roughly 449 miles per year overall, with only 2,189 miles added across the three recorded years. The sparse history shows no rapid accumulation or suspicious gaps, though the clean pass sheets mean wear on consumables and structure went unflagged. A buyer should physically inspect the Sierra for structural corrosion and suspension bush degradation, as long-standing vehicles at this age commonly suffer from both even when MOTs record no advisories. The brake discs, calipers, and coil springs need hands-on checks for binding or fatigue from prolonged inactivity. Given the 2024 failure with no defects noted, confirm the exact reason with DVSA before purchase, and verify the car has since been retested and passed. Low mileage alone does not confirm sound condition on a 1987 chassis.