2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · DN04 HFS

The vehicle presents a questionable roadworthiness profile characterized by a history of reactive maintenance rather than preventative care. While the most recent MOT recorded in September 2021 at 131,807 miles was a pass, it followed a significant failure involving critical safety equipment and wheel security. Given that no further tests have been recorded for nearly five years, the current mechanical state of the car is unknown and high-risk. The trend suggests a pattern of neglect, where the owner only addressed faults when forced to do so by a test failure. At 22 years old, the mileage of 131,807 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 6,000 miles per year. However, the data shows a significant gap in usage between August 2019 and September 2021, where the car covered only 12,484 miles in two years. This low-utilization pattern often leads to the degradation of rubber components, perished seals, and corrosion on brake surfaces due to lack of use. The absence of any records since 2021 indicates the vehicle may have sat stationary for long periods, which exacerbates risks of fluid leaks and fuel system failure. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the engine bay to address the oil leak flagged in 2021, which was noted as not excessive at the time but requires a source identification to prevent fire risks or environmental contamination. The history shows recurring issues with front suspension rod ball joints in 2019 and uneven tyre wear in 2020, suggesting underlying alignment problems or worn suspension bushings. Furthermore, the previous failure for missing wheel fixings in 2021 is a major red flag regarding safety, requiring a physical check that all wheel bolts are properly torqued and secure.