2007 Ford Fusion 1.4L Petrol · DU07 FLL

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 October 2025 resulted in a PASS, though two advisories were issued concerning corrosion on the nearside front and offside front brake pipes, both noted as being covered in grease or other material. This is the third consecutive test in which brake pipe corrosion has been flagged in some form, with advisories first appearing on the offside front and offside rear in October 2024. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy and the trend shows that the failures recorded in 2024 were addressed to allow subsequent passes, the recurring nature of the brake pipe advisories suggests an underlying pattern of underfloor corrosion that warrants close attention. Overall, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable in terms of achieving passes, but the persistence of brake pipe advisories indicates that corrosion is a developing concern which a prospective buyer should not overlook. The recorded mileage of 75,019 miles over approximately nineteen years equates to an annual average of around 3,948 miles, which is considerably below typical usage for a vehicle of this age. This low annual mileage suggests either genuinely light use or, more likely given the recurrence of corrosion advisories, extended periods of standing or infrequent driving. While low mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, it introduces its own set of risks including accelerated corrosion from lack of use, dried and cracked rubber components, and degradation of fluids and oils that rely on regular circulation and temperature cycling to remain effective. Given the recurring brake pipe advisories, a prospective buyer should arrange a thorough physical inspection of the underbody, ideally on a ramp, to assess the extent of corrosion on the brake lines, fuel lines, and structural members. Particular attention should be paid to the front and rear brake pipes where advisories have been issued, as brake pipe failure would result in an immediate MOT failure and present a serious safety risk. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any unusual sounds from the brakes such as grinding or squealing, and check for a spongy brake pedal or excessive travel, which could indicate compromised brake lines or air ingress. The 2024 failure also noted a deteriorated offside front inner drive shaft CV boot, and although this was classified as a minor defect, a subsequent inspection should confirm whether the boot was replaced and the joint remains free of grease loss and contamination, with no clicking or vibration evident under steering or acceleration. Beyond the items flagged in the MOT history, the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age of nineteen years demand a comprehensive inspection of time-sensitive components regardless of the odometer reading. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, even if the tread depth remains adequate, as rubber deteriorates chemically over time. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as batteries that have sat partially discharged for long periods often fail without warning. Brake calipers, particularly the rear units if fitted with drums or handbrake mechanisms, should be checked for seizing from standing. All fluid systems including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should be assessed for condition and service intervals, with brake fluid being especially critical as it is hygroscopic and degrades with calendar age irrespective of mileage. The service history should be verified for regular stamp entries, and the condition of the timing belt or chain, if applicable, should be confirmed along with the age of the auxiliary drive belt, as these items are governed by time rather than distance.