2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · FG09 PKA

The most recent DVSA MOT test conducted on 2 April 2026 resulted in a pass, accompanied by an advisory concerning slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint. Looking back over the recent test history, the vehicle has maintained a continuous pass status without any failure items, which indicates that it has not fallen foul of any immediate roadworthiness prohibitions. However, the recurrence of advisories relating to the offside front brake pipe corrosion in both 2022 and 2025, combined with the latest advisory on the steering linkage, suggests a maintenance profile that is stable in terms of outright compliance but showing gradual wear progression in critical mechanical areas. The fact that the brake pipe advisory reappeared after a clean test in 2024 implies that corrosion on the underbody pipework is being monitored rather than permanently resolved, while the suspension component noted in 2026 represents a new area of attention that warrants careful evaluation before it potentially progresses to a failure. With a recorded mileage of 137,325 miles across approximately seventeen years of service, this Fiesta has covered an average of around 8,078 miles annually, which sits squarely within the typical usage band for a vehicle of its vintage. This is neither excessively high nor worryingly low mileage, suggesting the car has been in regular service rather than left standing for prolonged intervals. At this odometer reading, the mechanical sympathy placed upon the engine, transmission, clutch, and consumable components such as brake pads, discs, and tyres will be considerable, particularly if the vehicle has predominantly been used in urban stop-start conditions. The relatively even annual accumulation also means that the wear across major mechanical systems is likely to be proportional rather than disproportionately skewed, though the drivetrain will now be approaching or surpassing the expected service life of original specification components. Given the recurring advisories on the offside front brake pipe, a prospective buyer should physically inspect the underbody for any signs of advanced corrosion, flaking, or active weeping of brake fluid around that area, and should also check the condition of the offside front suspension for any knocking, clonking, or vague steering response which would indicate that the noted ball joint play has deteriorated. On a test drive, listen carefully for suspension knocks over uneven road surfaces, pay attention to any vibration or wandering through the steering wheel, and assess whether the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, as this could indicate related wear in the braking or steering assemblies. The track rod end is a relatively inexpensive component to replace, but if left unattended, excessive play will lead to an MOT failure and could compromise directional stability, so budgeting for its imminent renewal is advisable. Beyond the advisory items, the age of this vehicle demands attention to several time-based deterioration factors that an MOT would not necessarily flag. Inspect the sidewalls of all tyres carefully for cracking, perishing, or brittleness associated with age rather than purely tread depth, and check the spare wheel or inflation kit provision if applicable. Examine the condition of the twelve-volt battery, ensuring that it holds charge reliably and shows no signs of terminal corrosion, as a battery of this age is highly likely nearing the end of its service life. Verify that the brake discs are free from significant corrosion ridges or that any binding calipers are releasing correctly, particularly if the car has experienced periods of standing. Finally, confirm that the service book contains evidence of regular oil changes, and confirm the condition and replacement intervals of the coolant, brake fluid, and timing chain or belt if fitted, as these time-sensitive fluids and components are often overlooked but absolutely critical to the long-term mechanical integrity of a high-mileage, seventeen-year-old supermini.