2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · DX59 DDZ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT in January 2026, with the latest advisory being a non-mechanical issue regarding seat obstructions. Evaluating the overall maintenance trend, the history suggests a reactive approach to repairs rather than a strictly preventative one. The vehicle experienced a significant failure in early 2025 due to a fractured nearside front coil spring, a major safety defect, but this was subsequently rectified. The history also shows a pattern of addressing wear-and-tear items, such as CV boots and suspension linkages, as they reach the end of their functional life. While the most recent test was clean, the recurring nature of suspension and rubber component advisories indicates that the vehicle is in a phase of its lifecycle where age-related degradation is becoming more prevalent. With 102,858 miles recorded over approximately 17 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,050 miles per year. This is considered low to moderate annual usage, suggesting the car has likely been used for local trips or short commutes rather than heavy long-distance motorway driving. While lower mileage generally implies less mechanical stress on the engine and gearbox, it carries the specific risk of age-related deterioration. Components that rely on chemical stability or flexibility, such as rubber seals, suspension bushes, and tyre compounds, can perish or become brittle from time and environmental exposure even if the vehicle has not covered significant distances. During your inspection and test drive, you should pay particular attention to the front suspension and drivetrain assembly. The MOT history has previously flagged a deteriorated nearside front inner CV boot and play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage. You should listen for rhythmic clicking or popping sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, which would indicate CV joint wear, and listen for clunking or knocking noises when navigating uneven road surfaces, which suggests worn suspension bushes or links. Furthermore, the 2024 advisory regarding a coolant leak is a point of concern; inspect the engine bay for any signs of dried coolant residue around hoses, the radiator, or the water pump, and monitor the temperature gauge closely to ensure the engine maintains a stable operating temperature. Given the vehicle's age and low annual mileage, a thorough physical inspection of consumables is essential. Check the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, as previous advisories have already noted this issue; even with good tread depth, aged rubber can compromise traction. Inspect the brake discs for heavy corrosion or pitting, which often occurs if a vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. You should also verify the service history to confirm that time-sensitive maintenance, such as coolant and brake fluid changes, has been performed according to the manufacturer's calendar-based intervals rather than just mileage. Finally, check the battery health and terminal condition, as low-usage vehicles are more susceptible to battery sulphation and electrical instability.