2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · FE09 HOJ

The vehicle's roadworthiness is currently concerning following a worsening trend of significant mechanical neglect. The most recent test in February 2023 at 96,411 miles resulted in a comprehensive failure with ten high-priority defects. These critical issues included a fractured offside front coil spring, excessively worn suspension ball joints, and a major exhaust gas leak. The presence of an inoperative parking brake and imbalanced rear brakes suggests that the vehicle was operated with serious safety-critical faults for an extended period prior to this inspection. At 96,411 miles over 17 years, the car has averaged approximately 5,600 miles per year, which is significantly below the national average. However, the data suggests this low mileage has not translated to diligent maintenance. Between December 2021 and February 2023, the car covered only 6,229 miles, yet the condition deteriorated from a clean pass to a catastrophic failure involving structural and braking components. This pattern often indicates a vehicle may have sat stationary for long periods, leading to the degradation of rubber components and seized mechanical parts despite the low odometer reading. A physical inspection must focus heavily on the integrity of the suspension and braking systems. The history shows recurring issues with ball joints and track rod ends, so a buyer should check for excessive play in the steering geometry and perished rubber in the bushes. The February 2023 failure for worn front brake discs and poor parking brake efficiency necessitates a thorough check of the calipers for binding and the handbrake cable for corrosion. The entire exhaust system must be examined for leaks and deep-seated rust, as the previous failure noted a major leak and insecure mounting.