2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · F65 LEO

A persistent pattern of brake pipe corrosion advisories defines the mechanical history of this 2010 Ford Fiesta, with the issue appearing at every recorded test from 2021 through 2026. The most recent pass on 6 March 2026 carries this same advisory on three locations (nearside front and both rear outer pipes) alongside subframe corrosion noted as not seriously weakened, indicating an ageing underbody that will warrant continued monitoring. Two failures are recorded: a dangerous defect in March 2023 for an offside front tyre with exposed ply or cords, and a fail in February 2024 for excessively worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes on both sides. The 2024 failure was addressed within thirteen days with a pass on 29 February, suggesting prompt remedial work on the rear suspension, though an advisory for play in the steering rack inner joint was carried over from that failure into the subsequent pass. The overall trend shows structural and brake hydraulic components that have been flagged repeatedly rather than resolved, even though the car has remained roadworthy at its last five test attempts. Mileage records show 33,373 miles over a sixteen years old, equating to roughly 2,086 miles annually, which is markedly low for the vehicle's age. The annual accumulation is consistent across the recorded testing history without significant jumps or unusual gaps between tests, indicating a vehicle that has been in regular but light use rather than long-term storage. Light annual mileage of this nature typically results in less wear on high-cycle consumables such as brake discs and clutches, but components that degrade through age rather than use, including rubber suspension bushes, brake hydraulic lines, flexible brake hoses, tyre sidewalls, and underbody sealing, remain susceptible to perishing and oxidation regardless of distance covered. The subframe and brake pipe advisories visible across the record are consistent with this age-driven corrosion profile rather than mileage-driven wear. A prospective buyer should focus inspection effort on the rear axle swivel pins and bushes, which were flagged as excessively worn in February 2024. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed humps, and check for irregular rear tyre wear patterns that would suggest compromised tracking from worn pivot bushes. The steering rack inner joint play recorded on the offside front warrants a road test focusing on steering precision; any vagueness, rattle through the steering wheel on rough roads, or inconsistent self-centring after cornering should be treated as evidence the joint has progressed beyond the advisory threshold. At standstill with the engine running, turning the steering from lock to lock can help reveal any notchiness or excessive slack. The brake hydraulic system requires particular scrutiny, given that brake pipe corrosion advisories have appeared at every test for five consecutive years. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should include raising the vehicle to visually examine the brake lines along their full length for surface rust, pitting, or any active seepage of brake fluid, paying special attention to the front-to-rear pipe runs along the underbody and chassis outriggers. On the road, the brake pedal should feel firm with no excessive travel or sponginess, and any warning lights related to the braking system must be investigated immediately. The subframe corrosion noted in both 2025 and 2026 tests, whilst currently categorised as not seriously weakened, should be physically inspected for any perforation or flaking that may have advanced beyond the advisory threshold. The nearside front tyre perishing advisory from the latest test should also prompt close visual examination of all four tyres for sidewall cracking, as tyres of this age require replacement regardless of remaining tread depth.