2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · EX10 BVT

A pattern of recurring mechanical and tyre-related advisories, punctuated by three separate failures across the testing record, defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2010 Ford Fiesta. The most recent test on 2024-10-02 resulted in a pass, but only after a failure the previous day attributed to imbalanced rear brakes across axle two and a nearside front track rod end with excessive play at the ball joint. Earlier failures in 2022 and 2021 are also notable: the 2022 test recorded brake fluid significantly below the minimum mark and a bonnet that could not be secured in the closed position, while the 2021 test identified a non-functioning nearside front headlamp on dipped beam. Compounding these outright failures, a coolant leak advisory appeared in 2023, and multiple instances of tyre perishing or cracking on both front and rear axle, along with two slightly distorted road wheels on the offside front and nearside rear, have surfaced over the years. Taken together, the record suggests a vehicle with chronic issues rather than isolated defects. The recorded mileage of 111,646 miles across roughly sixteen years equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 6,978 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates consistent use rather than extended periods of standing. There are no extended gaps in the testing history that would suggest the vehicle was off the road for multiple consecutive years, meaning the wear patterns observed across the MOT record reflect genuine ongoing operation. The mileage progression between tests, including the relatively short interval between the failed and passed tests in October 2024, suggests the vehicle has been in regular service, and consumable wear items such as tyres, brakes and suspension components have therefore been subjected to normal in-service fatigue. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering geometry, given the recorded failure of the nearside front track rod end ball joint for excessive play. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or rough surfaces, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which is a common secondary symptom of worn steering linkages. The brake system warrants thorough scrutiny: the 2024 imbalance across the rear axle and the earlier low brake fluid reading suggest that both the hydraulic system and the rear brake components, including shoes, drums or caliper operation depending on configuration, should be inspected. On the road, feel for any pulling to one side under braking, a soft or spongy pedal, and any judder through the pedal or steering wheel that might indicate warped discs, particularly given the 2021 advisory noting pitted and scored front brake discs. The tyre and wheel advisories recorded repeatedly across multiple tests are equally relevant. Inner-rear tyre wear close to the legal limit, sidewall cracking or perishing on both front and rear axles, and slightly distorted road wheels all point to a vehicle that may have been kerbed or operated on degraded rubber. Inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, cracking in the sidewall grooves, and any bulges, and verify that the wheels are true, particularly the offside front and nearside rear units previously flagged. The 2023 coolant leak advisory should be investigated by checking for residue around the radiator, water pump, hoses and coolant reservoir, and by monitoring the header tank level over several days. Finally, confirm that the bonnet catch mechanism is fully functional and that the headlamp operation, particularly the nearside front dipped beam which previously failed, is sound, as both items have required corrective action during the recorded test history.