2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · FG10 OPU

The most recent MOT on 13 March 2026 was passed, but it carried two advisories concerning wear on the off‑side and near‑side rear suspension arm pins or bushes. Over the preceding five years the pattern has been one of recurring wear items – front brake discs and pads have been flagged each year since 2022 and the near‑side rear tyre has been noted as slightly damaged or perishing in both 2022 and 2023. No outright failures have been recorded, indicating that the vehicle has been maintained well enough to remain road‑worthy, yet the persistence of the same areas of wear suggests a gradual deterioration rather than an improvement. At 106 775 miles for a 2010 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 6 700 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a sixteen‑year‑old car. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would imply long periods of storage, nor is there evidence of a sudden surge in kilometres that would accelerate wear on major components. Consequently the wear observed on the suspension, brakes and rear tyre is more likely to be a function of age and normal use rather than excessive mileage loading. When you inspect the rear suspension, give particular attention to the condition of the arm pins and the surrounding bushings. With the advisories indicating wear but not yet excessive movement, you should feel for any clunk or looseness when the car is bounced over a curb or when applying full throttle and braking while the vehicle is stationary. Any detectable play could herald imminent bush failure and should be rectified promptly, as worn bushings can lead to altered wheel alignment, uneven tyre wear and compromised handling. The front brake system has been flagged repeatedly for disc wear and thin pads; examine the discs for deep scoring or heat‑induced cracking and measure pad thickness. If the discs are approaching the minimum thickness or show significant pitting, replacement will be required within the next few thousand miles to avoid reduced braking efficiency or brake fade. Listen for a high‑pitched squeal or feel a pulsation through the pedal, both of which can indicate that the pads are near the end of their service life. The near‑side rear tyre has been described as slightly damaged or perishing for two consecutive years, a sign that the tyre may be suffering from age‑related cracking rather than mileage wear alone. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for dry rot, cracks, or bulges, and verify that the tread depth meets the legal minimum of 1.6 mm across the entire width. Because the car has spent a substantial portion of its life at relatively low annual mileage, also check for signs of standing‑time deterioration: corrosion on the exhaust, under‑carriage and suspension pivots, a weakened 12‑volt battery that may struggle to hold charge, and the condition of engine oil, coolant and brake fluid which can degrade even without high mileage. A thorough visual and tactile inspection, complemented by a short test drive that includes braking, cornering and a brief ride over a speed bump, will reveal whether any of these time‑based components are approaching the end of their useful life and need proactive replacement before they become safety issues.