2002 Ford Fusion 1.6L Petrol · EJ52 YWB

The vehicle is currently unroadworthy following a catastrophic MOT failure on April 25, 2026, at 102,099 miles. The maintenance trend has shifted from manageable wear to a state of severe mechanical and structural neglect. While the car passed previous tests with minor advisories, the most recent inspection revealed multiple critical failures spanning engine management, suspension geometry, and structural integrity, indicating that essential upkeep has been consistently deferred until the vehicle reached a point of total failure. At 24 years old, the recorded mileage of 102,099 miles averages to approximately 4,254 miles per year. However, there is a significant gap in usage patterns between January 2025 and April 2026, where the car covered over 13,700 miles in fifteen months. This burst of activity suggests the vehicle may have sat stationary for periods previously, which often leads to the degradation of rubber components and the accumulation of internal corrosion, evidenced by the current state of the auxiliary belt and brake pipes. A prospective buyer must scrutinise the chassis for persistent rust, as brake pipe corrosion has been a recurring issue since at least 2022. The 2026 failure highlighted excessive wear on sub-frame bushes and corroded rear coil springs, which pose serious risks to the vehicle's stability. The tester also identified a deformed steering component and wheel binding at the track rod end, suggesting the front suspension has suffered significant impact or misalignment that requires more than simple component replacement. The engine health is a primary concern due to the inoperative engine malfunction indicator light and exhaust emissions exceeding legal limits. These symptoms point to deeper combustion issues or sensor failures that, combined with a breaking auxiliary belt, present a high mechanical risk. Given the combination of distorted wheels, perished mounts, and engine management faults, the cost to bring this Ford Fusion back to a roadworthy standard likely exceeds its remaining market value.