2005 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · EA05 CUY

The most recent MOT test on March 18, 2025, confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, though the immediate preceding test on March 11, 2024, was a failure without recorded defects—a discrepancy that suggests either a minor oversight in documentation or a genuine anomaly in the testing process. The two failures in 2022 and 2024, both at the same mileage (111,184), indicate a potential pattern of recurring issues, though the lack of specific defect details leaves their nature ambiguous. Since the last passing test in March 2025, the vehicle has accumulated 6,995 miles, placing it just under 12 months from its next due MOT. The absence of advisories or repeated failures in the last two cycles suggests the vehicle has not experienced severe mechanical decline, but the unexplained failures warrant closer scrutiny of components prone to intermittent faults—particularly brakes, suspension, or emissions systems—where minor wear could escalate without consistent maintenance. The recorded mileage of 118,021 miles over nearly 21 years equates to an average of approximately 5,620 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests the car has either been lightly used or stood idle for extended periods, which could mitigate some wear but also introduces risks of stagnant fluids, degraded seals, or corrosion from prolonged exposure. Notably, the mileage remained static between the two 2022 failures (August 23 and August 25), a gap of just two days, which is highly unusual and may indicate an error in the test dates or a deliberate retest after a minor correction. The subsequent jump to 111,726 miles by March 2024—an increase of 638 miles in 17 months—followed by another static period before the 2025 test, reinforces the irregularity in usage patterns. Such inconsistencies could imply the vehicle was either stored or driven sporadically, potentially accelerating certain forms of deterioration. Given the sparse defect history, a buyer should prioritise an inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, as these are common failure points in older Fiestas that often go unnoticed until they bind or degrade. The repeated failures at identical mileages hint at a recurring issue, possibly with brake calipers, wheel bearings, or exhaust emissions systems, which are frequently flagged in MOT tests for this model. Corrosion should also be examined thoroughly, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe, as prolonged low mileage increases the risk of rust propagation. Finally, the brake discs and pads, as well as the condition of the tyres—particularly their tread depth and lateral wear—should be assessed, as these are consumables that degrade predictably with age and mileage, regardless of usage patterns. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised to verify the structural integrity of the chassis and identify any hidden damage.