2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · FE60 AAJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 22 September 2025, but the overall maintenance trend is concerning. The history reveals a pattern of recurring mechanical degradation and a series of failures related to braking and steering components. The transition from surface rust on the sub-frame in 2024 to recorded corrosion in 2025 suggests a progressive deterioration of the structural chassis, while the recent failure for binding rear brakes indicates a lack of preventative maintenance on the braking system. With a recorded mileage of 84,461 miles over sixteen years, this vehicle has averaged approximately 5,279 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the national average for a car of this age. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and gearbox, it often indicates periods of standing or short-trip city usage. Such usage patterns are frequently detrimental to the braking system and exhaust, as evidenced by the pitted brake discs and binding calipers, which are classic symptoms of moisture accumulation and inactivity. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the braking and steering systems during a physical inspection and test drive. The repeated advisories for pitted and scored front brake discs, combined with the recent failure for binding rear brakes, suggest the braking system is nearing the end of its service life. During the test drive, listen for grinding noises and feel for any shuddering under braking or a lack of free-rolling when coasting, which would indicate further caliper seizure. Furthermore, the history of steering rack noise and free play, alongside previous anti-roll bar linkage failures, necessitates a check for clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring. The progression of sub-frame corrosion is a critical point of concern. You should inspect the underside of the vehicle with a torch to determine if the corrosion is merely superficial or if there is significant scaling and metal loss that could compromise structural integrity. Given the low annual mileage, it is also essential to check for tyre sidewall perishing or cracking, as tyres often age out before they wear out. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that oil and other calendar-based fluids have been changed regularly regardless of the low mileage, as stagnant fluids can lead to internal engine sludge and premature component failure.