2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FH08 MPZ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 19 December 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle presently meets the statutory safety and emissions requirements. Over the six‑year MOT window the car has moved from a major failure in February 2022 (shock absorber fluid leak and heavily corroded rear brake pipe) to a clean pass in early 2023, then to a pass with advisory notes on front brake disc wear in December 2024, and finally to a defect‑free pass in 2025. This trajectory shows a clear improvement in overall condition, with the only lingering issues being advisory rather than mandatory, suggesting that any major faults have either been rectified or have not re‑occurred. At 111,093 miles on an 18‑year‑old Fiesta the average annual mileage works out at roughly 6,200 mi per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage pattern for a vehicle of this age. The mileage record does not reveal any periods of unusually high accumulation that would point to severe wear on high‑stress components, but the relatively low annual figure also implies the car may have spent extended periods stationary. Prolonged inactivity can accelerate corrosion of brake pipework, battery deterioration, and tyre perishing, all of which merit particular attention given the age of the chassis and the previous rear‑pipe corrosion noted in 2022. For a prospective buyer the front brake discs, flagged as worn, pitted or scored in the 2024 advisory, should be measured for remaining thickness; any reading close to the minimum legal limit (1.0 mm) will require immediate replacement to avoid loss of braking efficiency and potential warping under heat. During a test drive listen for any high‑pitched squeal or feel for a pulsating pedal, both of which can indicate thinning rotors or uneven wear. The rear brake pipe that was described as “excessively corroded” in 2022 should be inspected visually for rust, pitting, or signs of leakage, and the brake pedal should feel firm without a spongy or soft response. The shock absorber fluid leak recorded in 2022, although not listed on later tests, may have been repaired; nevertheless, check for any oil stains on the wheel arches, a noticeable sag on one corner, or a harsh, bouncy ride that could signal a returning leak or worn damper internals. Given the car’s age and the likelihood of extended storage periods, verify that the tyres are not merely within tread depth limits but also free from sidewall cracking, dry rot or age‑related hardening; tyres older than six years should be considered for replacement regardless of mileage. Test the 12 V battery voltage and, if possible, have a load test performed, as batteries lose charge capacity after a decade of service. Confirm that all fluid service intervals—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid—have been observed in the service book, and consider a full fluid flush if the records are incomplete. Finally, inspect the windscreen wiper blades, which were noted as split in early 2023, and replace them along with the washer fluid reservoir seals to ensure effective visibility in wet conditions. A thorough visual inspection combined with a careful road test should reveal whether the Fiesta remains a mechanically sound and safe purchase.