2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · FD58 AEE

The vehicle shows a concerning trend of structural corrosion and mechanical wear despite its relatively low mileage for its age. The most recent test in September 2025 at 73,975 miles identified several developing issues including a damaged offside front track rod end dust cover and thin front brake pads. More significantly, the tester flagged corroded brake pipes on both front sides, obscured by grease, alongside noted rust on the subframe and rear beam. This represents a progression from the corrosion issues noted as early as 2023, suggesting that the structural integrity of the chassis components is actively deteriorating. At 73,975 miles over 17 years, the car has averaged roughly 4,350 miles per year. This low annual usage often leads to rubber-based components degrading due to age rather than mileage, which is reflected in the record by perished tyres in 2020 and corroded coil springs. The history also reveals a pattern of reactive maintenance, such as the failure in 2021 due to excessive steering rack play and imbalanced brakes. While the vehicle passed its tests in 2022 and 2024 without defects, the return of multiple advisories in 2025 indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase where component fatigue is accelerating. A buyer should prioritize a thorough inspection of the front subframe and rear beam to ensure the rust has not progressed beyond surface level. The presence of grease on corroded brake pipes is a red flag, as it often hides fluid leaks or advanced pipe degradation. Given the previous history of steering rack issues and distorted road wheels, the entire suspension geometry and steering assembly should be tested for further play or uneven wear. The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the recurring nature of corrosion and suspension faults suggests that significant maintenance costs may be imminent.