2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · DA59 AVL

The vehicle presents in a questionable roadworthiness state, showing a clear pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. While it passed its most recent test on 20 March 2026 at 68,988 miles, this followed a failure just one mile prior due to critical safety issues including severely worn brake discs and damaged tyres. The maintenance trend is inconsistent, with recurring failures related to steering joints, suspension ball joints, and braking systems, suggesting that components are only addressed once they reach a point of total failure during an annual inspection. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 68,988 miles is significantly low, averaging approximately 4,000 miles per year. This low usage often leads to age-related degradation of rubber and metal components rather than mechanical wear from distance. The data shows long periods of minimal travel, such as the 4,145-mile gap between February 2021 and February 2022, which likely correlates with the observed corrosion and seized components found in later tests. The frequency of failures since 2022 indicates an accelerating rate of mechanical deterioration despite the low annual mileage. Specific attention is required for the structural integrity and steering assembly. The March 2026 test flagged corrosion on the nearside and offside rear inner suspension component mounting areas; while not yet considered an excessive sill failure, this rust is a progressive condition that requires close monitoring. Furthermore, the presence of play in the steering rack inner joints in 2026 mirrors a previous failure of steering linkages in 2020. A buyer must physically inspect the steering geometry for any remaining play and ensure the recent repairs have been effective. The braking system also shows a history of neglect, with multiple entries for thin pads and scored discs dating back 2019, 2025, and 2026. The 2025 failure for a binding offside front brake caliper suggests the system may be prone to seizing due to lack of use. Given the history of distorted road wheels in 2022 and a fractured coil spring in the same year, the entire suspension and wheel assembly should be thoroughly checked for signs of impact damage or fatigue that may not be captured in the standard MOT test.