2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · EX09 VGL

The 2009 Ford Fiesta most recently passed its DVSA MOT test on 27 February 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, indicating a clean pass at the point of inspection. The preceding test on 10 March 2025 also resulted in a clean pass, as did the test on 15 March 2024. It is worth noting that a test on 8 March 2024 is recorded as a failure with no specific defects listed, which typically suggests the vehicle was presented in an unroadworthy condition such as with no current insurance, an expired test certificate, or an inability to be tested for administrative reasons rather than a mechanical defect. Following this, the immediate retest passed cleanly, and the vehicle has maintained an unbroken pass status across the most recent two cycles. The overall maintenance trajectory is therefore stable, with no recurring advisories relating to wear items, structural corrosion, or component degradation. With a recorded mileage of 100,348 miles over approximately 17 years, the Fiesta has averaged around 5,903 miles per year, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. This pattern of usage is characteristic of a second car, a commuter used primarily for short journeys, or a vehicle that has experienced periods of inactivity. While lower mileage generally reduces wear on internal combustion components, it can introduce a different set of age-related concerns. Short journeys prevent the engine and exhaust system from reaching full operating temperature, which can lead to moisture accumulation in the oil and accelerated internal corrosion. Extended periods of standing, if applicable, can cause deterioration of rubber seals, brake caliper seizure, and fluid degradation beyond what the mileage alone would suggest. Given the clean MOT history and the age of the vehicle, particular attention should be paid to time-sensitive degradation rather than purely mileage-based wear. The tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as tyres older than five years can suffer structural deterioration from UV exposure and ozone regardless of tread depth. The date code on the sidewall will confirm the manufacturing age, and any tyre over seven years old should be replaced irrespective of remaining tread. The brake discs, particularly on a vehicle that may have stood for extended periods, are susceptible to surface corrosion which can lead to binding calipers, uneven pad wear, and brake shudder under heavy application. During a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the caliper area and feel for pulsation through the brake pedal. The 12V battery should be tested for its state of health, as batteries in low-use vehicles often fail prematurely due to chronic undercharging from short journeys, leading to voltage instability and potential starting issues. The fluids in this Fiesta warrant verification regardless of the modest mileage. Engine oil and filter changes should be confirmed via service history stamps, with the recommendation that oil is renewed at least annually due to the short-trip usage pattern which causes fuel dilution and moisture contamination. The coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable all degrade over time; brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should be replaced every two to three years to prevent internal corrosion within the brake system and ABS modulator. The cooling system hoses, drive belts, and suspension bushes including the rear axle beam bushes which are a known wear item on this generation of Fiesta should be examined for perishing, cracking, and play. On a test drive, listen for clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, check for vague steering, and observe whether the vehicle tracks straight without drift. Finally, inspect the underside and wheel arches for corrosion, as a 17-year-old Ford can develop structural rust, particularly around the sills, subframes, and suspension mounting points, which would be a critical factor in any purchase decision.