2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · DV08 ABN

The most recent MOT, dated 18 April 2024, was passed but returned several advisories – a noisy off‑side front drive‑shaft centre bearing, slight distortion of both rear inner road wheels and wear on the rear sub‑frame pin or bush. Over the last three years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with major failures recorded for a fault‑reading engine management indicator, a cut front tyre, a faulty front position lamp and excessive play in the off‑side front track‑rod end ball joint. Although the latest result is a pass, the recurrence of similar advisories and the persistence of a noisy drive‑shaft bearing suggest that the maintenance trend is only marginally improving; underlying wear items remain unaddressed and could re‑trigger a failure if not remedied. At 91 285 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 5 000 miles per annum, which is considerably below the typical usage for a vehicle of its 2008 vintage. The low annual mileage often points to periods of infrequent use or prolonged storage rather than gentle wear. Consequently, age‑related degradation – such as rubber perishing, corrosion of suspension bushings and brake components, and electrolyte loss in the battery – is likely to be more significant than mileage‑related wear. However, the modest distance does mean that high‑stress items such as clutch discs, timing chain tensioners and major engine bearings have not been subjected to the high‑cycle fatigue that a higher‑mileage car would have endured. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear sub‑frame bush and the rear wheel bearings, both of which have been flagged as worn or noisy on several occasions. Inspect the rear sub‑frame bush for excessive play by attempting to move the rear wheel assembly laterally; any clunk or looseness under load may indicate imminent failure. The rear wheel bearings, previously recorded as rough when rotated, should be checked for grinding or humming noises when the vehicle is coasting at low speed, especially when turning. The off‑side front drive‑shaft centre bearing, noted as noisy, should be listened to at idle and under acceleration; a pronounced whine or rattling that changes with engine speed often signals bearing wear that will require replacement. Verify that all direction‑indicator lamps function correctly, as repeated colour‑incorrect faults suggest a wiring or bulb issue that could be a safety hazard. Finally, confirm that the coolant level is maintained above the minimum and that the engine management light does not illuminate on the dashboard, as recurring MIL faults can mask underlying sensor or emission‑control problems. Given the car’s age and low mileage, a thorough visual and tactile inspection is essential. Examine all tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry‑rot or perishing, especially on the rear tyres which have been repeatedly noted as slightly distorted; uneven wear may also reveal suspension alignment issues. Check the condition of the suspension bushes, ball joints and control‑arm bushings for signs of corrosion or rubber hardening, as age can cause them to become brittle and lead to handling noise. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation, low cranking voltage and any leakage, and consider a load test, as batteries left idle for long periods often lose capacity. Assess the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without sticking, since standing can cause pistons to seize. Finally, review the service book for evidence of regular oil changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt or chain inspections, as calendar‑based maintenance is crucial for a vehicle that has seen relatively few miles but has been in service for nearly two decades.