2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FD59 OAJ

A recurring theme of corrosion and component wear runs through this Fiesta’s MOT record, with the front sub‑frame, rear coil springs and several tyre‑related items flagged year after year. Although the latest test on 27 October 2025 was a clean pass, the same advisory set that has lingered since 2022 – sub‑frame rust, coil‑spring corrosion and a faulty hazard‑warning switch – still appears, indicating that the underlying issues have not been fully rectified and may be approaching a point where corrective work becomes inevitable. At 113 613 miles the car averages just over 7 000 miles per annum, a figure that sits comfortably within normal usage for a sixteen‑year‑old vehicle. The mileage progression is steady, with no large spikes or unexplained gaps that would suggest periods of intensive short‑term abuse or long storage. This moderate annual accumulation means consumables such as brakes, suspension bushings and tyres will be approaching the latter stages of their service lives, but it does not point to premature wear beyond what the recorded advisories already highlight. When you inspect the car, focus first on the sub‑frame and rear suspension. Listen for any metallic clunk or creak when driving over bumps, especially on the front left side where the sub‑frame corrosion was noted; excessive play or a feeling of the chassis flexing can signal that the rust has begun to compromise structural integrity. The rear coil springs should be examined for surface rust and signs of fatigue – a hollow or uneven spring can produce a noticeable thump or cause the rear to sag under load. Check the front brake discs for scoring or uneven thickness, as the advisory on the 14 October 2024 suggests they are already pitted; a pulsating pedal or squealing noise under moderate braking would confirm that replacement is due soon. Tyre condition remains a concern: the near‑side front tyre was flagged for edge wear and the rear wheel for slight distortion, so verify that the tyre tread is even across the width and that the wheel is true, looking for wobble at speed or vibration through the steering column. The hazard‑warning switch fault, repeatedly recorded, should be confirmed as functional – a non‑operational indicator will cause an MOT failure. Finally, a minor exhaust leak was recorded during the 2023 failure; during a test drive listen for a faint hissing or ticking from the rear exhaust and watch for a faint blue‑tinted smoke at idle, both of which would indicate that the leak has not been repaired and could affect emissions compliance. Addressing these items before purchase will give a clearer picture of any imminent out‑of‑pocket costs and the overall roadworthiness of the vehicle.