2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · EK09 PKA

Persistent rubber degradation and recurring chassis corrosion define the mechanical history of this Ford Fiesta, which successfully secured another MOT pass on June 5, 2026 at 49,331 miles. Over the examined testing history spanning from 2019 to 2026, the vehicle has maintained an unbroken streak of first-time test passes, yet this record is consistently shadowed by recurring warnings regarding perishing tyres and caked brake lines. Rather than showing a worsening structural decline, the roadworthiness trend remains stable but repetitive, as the same categories of consumable and environmental wear appear year after year without escalating into formal test failures. Accumulating just 49,331 miles across roughly seventeen years yields an average of approximately 2,902 miles annually, establishing a very low-usage profile for its age. This restricted annual mileage means the car has spent extended periods operating on short journeys or sitting stationary between annual tests. Such low-mileage usage patterns frequently accelerate the aging of rubber components and surface corrosion on underbody metalwork due to a lack of regular thermal cycling and airflow, which directly correlates with the specific advisories logged on the MOT certificate. When inspecting the vehicle, a prospective buyer must closely examine the structural and braking components flagged in past records, specifically the brake pipes noted repeatedly since 2020 as being corroded or obscured by dirt and dust. During a static inspection, check the metal brake lines along the underbody and rear axle for flaking rust or pitting beneath any surface grime, and pay careful attention during a test drive to ensure the brake pedal feels firm with no excessive travel or sponginess. Additionally, the latest 2026 test highlighted a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel, which should be checked on a smooth stretch of road for any accompanying steering wheel vibration or shimmy at cruising speeds. The recurring wheel bearing advisory noted on the offside front during the 2025 test requires practical verification during the road test by listening for a characteristic humming or droning noise that changes pitch with vehicle speed or intensifies when loading the suspension through sweeping bends. Furthermore, the persistent cycle of tyre perishing flagged across multiple years—culminating in cracking on both rear tyres at the most recent test—means the rubber should be thoroughly inspected across all sidewalls and tread blocks for deep fissures, regardless of remaining tread depth, to budget for immediate replacements if necessary.