2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · ET04 KPY

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, though the maintenance trend shows signs of developing component wear in the suspension. While the most recent test in March 2026 at 81,710 miles passed, it introduced new advisories regarding oil misting on both front shock absorbers. This mirrors a recurring issue noted back in December 2022 at 68,007 miles, indicating that the dampers are reaching the end of their functional life and will eventually require replacement to prevent total failure or handling degradation. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 81,710 miles represents a low annual usage rate of approximately 3,700 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage patterns, for example, 8,160 miles driven between December 2024 and March 2026. This low-mile profile often reduces mechanical strain on the engine and gearbox, but periods of standing can lead to the degradation of rubber components, which explains the deteriorating suspension arm ball joint gaiters identified during the 2022 inspection. A buyer should conduct a close inspection of the front suspension assembly to determine if the misting has progressed to a significant leak that affects safety. The December 2024 failure due to an ABS warning lamp and failed stop lamps suggests the previous owner responded to electrical and braking faults promptly, but the ABS system should be verified to ensure the fault remains resolved. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough check for structural corrosion, particularly on the sills and wheel arches, is essential as these areas are not explicitly detailed in the recent advisories but are common to older Ford models.