2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · EF04 WLL

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by persistent structural-related corrosion and mechanical wear. While the most recent test in September 2023 at 71,121 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a failure that highlighted significant issues across the chassis. The maintenance trend appears stable rather than improving, as recurring faults regarding brake pipes and suspension bushes appear consistently across multiple testing years. The lack of an MOT for nearly three years suggests the vehicle's current roadworthiness is unverified and potentially degraded. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 22-year-old car, averaging approximately 3,233 miles per year. Between October 2022 at 68,077 miles and September 2023 at 71,121 miles, the car covered only 3,044 miles. This low usage often correlates with the accelerated degradation seen in rubber-based components and the accumulation of surface rust. The record shows the vehicle has likely sat for long periods, which explains the cracked tyres and perished shock absorber seals noted in the historical data. A buyer must conduct a rigorous physical inspection of the structural integrity, specifically focusing on the areas flagged in the 2022 failure. The tester noted excessive corrosion on the nearside rear integral body structure within 30cm of a body mounting sill, which is a critical safety concern if it progressed. The entire brake pipe system requires close scrutiny, as corrosion and grease contamination have been a recurring failure point since 2021, 2022, and 2023. Attention should also be paid to the suspension geometry. The rear axle swivel pins and track rod ends have been identified as worn or having play in recent tests. The offside rear coil spring was also noted as corroded in 2023. Given the age of the vehicle and the history of rust, the likelihood of brittle metal components or further structural rot is high despite the low odometer reading.