2002 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · EJ02 YMH

This 2002 Ford Fiesta presents a stable but ageing mechanical profile. The most recent MOT, conducted on 7 January 2025 at 36,057 miles, passed with several advisories that indicate deferred maintenance rather than acute failure. The trend across the last five tests is broadly consistent: no single fault has escalated to a dangerous condition, yet the same minor defects recur year after year, suggesting a pattern of minimal intervention rather than proactive repair. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Between the December 2020 test at 34,042 miles and the January 2025 test at 36,057 miles, the car covered only 2,015 miles over roughly four years, averaging around 500 miles annually during that window. Prior to that, from December 2021 at 34,536 miles to December 2022 at 34,836 miles, the increase was just 300 miles in twelve months. This pattern points to prolonged periods of very light use or standing idle, which can itself cause issues such as deteriorated rubber components, corroded brake lines, and flat-spotted tyres that steady daily driving would otherwise prevent. The rear brake system demands close attention. Corrosion on both rear brake pipes, noted in every single test from December 2020 through January 2025, has persisted despite repeated advisories. The rear brake cables have also been flagged as damaged at every inspection across the same period. Combined with the parking brake barely meeting efficiency standards in December 2020 and the front brake discs repeatedly recorded as worn and pitted, the entire braking assembly shows a history of neglect rather than renewal. Any prospective buyer should have the rear brake lines and cables inspected in person, with replacement strongly recommended before regular use. Suspension and structural corrosion round out the concerns. The nearside rear shock absorber has shown a light oil misting since at least December 2021, and front suspension arm bushes have worn steadily across multiple tests. The offside lower structure was flagged for corrosion in January 2025, and the rear structure near the mounting points has also corroded slightly. On a vehicle this age with such low mileage, these faults are consistent with long stationary periods allowing moisture to attack undersealed areas. A thorough underside inspection is essential before purchase, focusing on the rear brake lines, shock absorbers, suspension bushes, and any structural corrosion around mounting points.