1988 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · F177 ETT

A history of intermittent failures involving the braking system, wheel bearings, and underbody corrosion defines this vehicle's record, despite achieving a clean pass in its most recent test on 16 September 2026. The data shows a recurring struggle with brake efficiency, including rear axle imbalance, binding calipers, and a defective brake servo in 2025. While the two most recent tests have been passed without defects, the long-term trend indicates a susceptibility to component seizure and structural oxidation. The recorded mileage of 38,193 miles is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age, averaging roughly 1,005 miles per year. Such a low rate of use, combined with a significant five-year gap in testing between 2020 and 2025, often correlates with the degradation of seals and the seizure of mechanical parts. The failure of the brake servo and rear wheel bearings immediately following this period of inactivity suggests that prolonged standing has been a primary driver of the vehicle's mechanical defects. Inspection should focus heavily on the underbody and braking system. Given the history of surface corrosion and rear brake binding, a thorough check for structural rust is required. During a test drive, the buyer should feel for any pedal judder or an uneven response during braking, and listen specifically for humming or droning noises from the rear axle, which would indicate a recurrence of the wheel bearing play and roughness recorded in 2025. The previous reports of oil leaks and a compromised suspension arm ball joint dust cover require a detailed examination of the engine and front end. Check for active oil misting around the engine block and inspect the rubber boots on the suspension linkages for tears. On the road, listen for knocks or clunks when driving over bumps, as this may indicate that the suspension bushings or ball joints have deteriorated further since the 2018 failure.