2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · FD10 KAU

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 December 2025 produced an initial fail due to two easily rectifiable lighting defects, specifically a non-functioning offside stop lamp and an offside rear position lamp, both categorised as dangerous. These items were addressed immediately and the vehicle subsequently passed on the same date with no further advisories recorded. Looking back over the MOT history, the Fiesta has demonstrated a broadly stable and well-maintained roadworthiness profile, with annual passes stretching back to 2019 and no structural, braking, or emissions concerns raised. The only items of note during this period are isolated advisories relating to minor tyre perishing and front brake disc surface wear, none of which have escalated or recurred in subsequent tests. The immediate rectification of the lighting faults suggests attentive ownership, and the absence of any repeat advisories on the front brake discs or tyres since 2024 indicates that the previously noted wear has been managed appropriately or has not progressed significantly. With a recorded mileage of 76,074 miles over a sixteen-year life, this Fiesta has covered approximately 4,755 miles annually, which is well below the typical usage pattern for a vehicle of this age and segment. Such a low annual figure could equally reflect genuine light use, retirement to secondary duties, or extended periods of standing. While low mileage generally preserves mechanical components, prolonged inactivity introduces its own set of concerns, particularly with respect to corrosion of brake discs, seizure of caliper slide pins, and deterioration of rubber and fluid-based components through calendar age rather than wear. The steady MOT attendance at roughly twelve-month intervals suggests the car has not been laid up for very long periods, but the relatively modest accumulation between tests still warrants targeted age-related scrutiny. Given the vehicle's advanced age and the recurring advisories for tyre perishing, the sidewalls of all four tyres should be carefully inspected for cracking, particularly in the area between the tread and the wheel rim where UV exposure accelerates degradation. A tyre that has covered few miles can still be beyond its safe service life due to the hardening of the rubber compound, and replacement on age rather than tread depth is often necessary. During a test drive, listen for any irregular road noise or vibration that might indicate perished sidewalls flexing unusually, and check that the nearside rear and offside rear positions in particular have been renewed since the 2024 advisory, as cracking tends to progress once initiated. The front brake discs, which were noted as pitted and scored in 2024, should be physically examined for lipping at the outer edge, and the vehicle should be tested from cold for any rotational judder or pulling to one side under braking, as standing exposure or light use can lead to uneven corrosion build-up on the friction surfaces. Beyond the items flagged in the MOT history, a prospective buyer should carry out a number of standing-related and time-served checks typical of a low-mileage sixteen-year-old car. The 12V battery is likely due for replacement on age grounds alone, and its resting voltage and cranking performance should be verified. Brake fluid should be assumed to be due for renewal regardless of service book entries, as it degrades hygroscopically over time and absorbs moisture that lowers its boiling point. Coolant and transmission fluid condition should be inspected, and the underside examined for any seepage from ageing seals that may not have been flagged at MOT due to the clean recent passes. The exhaust system, while not recently flagged, is a sixteen-year-old component prone to internal corrosion and should be tapped for rattles on a cold start. Finally, confirm the service book stamps align with the annual mileage and ask for evidence of cambelt replacement if applicable, as a 2010 Fiesta is well within the window where this critical maintenance item should have been addressed at least once.