2004 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FN04 WUT

The most recent MOT recorded on 21 July 2025 resulted in a failure for a dangerous condition – the off‑side front tyre was found with exposed ply or cords. This marks a regression from the earlier pass on the same date and follows a pattern of increasing advisory and defect items over the past five years, notably the fractured front coil spring in 2021 and recurring corrosion advisories. The maintenance trend is therefore deteriorating rather than stabilising, and the vehicle will require remedial work before it can be considered road‑worthy. With a recorded 72 513 miles on a 2004 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 3 300 mi per year, which is well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 mi per annum. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of storage or very light use, which can accelerate age‑related decay of rubber components, seals and metal parts even when mileage is modest. The sparse mileage does not offset the wear that time imposes on tyres, suspension bushings, brake lines and the battery, all of which show signs of neglect in the MOT history. A prospective buyer should give the off‑side front tyre a thorough visual and tactile inspection – look for any bulges, cuts, sidewall cracking or loss of tread uniformity, and verify that the tyre is correctly inflated. The presence of exposed cords means the tyre must be replaced immediately; a worn edge on the near‑side front tyre also suggests uneven wear that could be symptomatic of mis‑aligned suspension or worn steering components. Examine the coil springs on both axles for any rust pitting, cracks or broken strands; the 2021 fracture on the off‑side front spring indicates that the remaining springs may be close to the end of their service life. While the vehicle is on the lift, check the condition of the front brake pipe for corrosion or grease deposits and confirm there are no leaks by applying firm pressure to the pedal and listening for hissing. Test the horn, both registration plate lamps and the headlamp aim – low aim on the near‑side and off‑side units can reduce night‑time visibility and is a straightforward rectifiable fault. Given the car’s age and low‑use profile, also inspect the battery for sulfation, check the electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid unit, and perform a load test to ensure it can hold charge. Verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up, free of water ingress and have been changed according to a time‑based schedule rather than mileage alone. Look for any signs of chassis or under‑body rust, especially around the suspension mounting points and wheel arches, as prolonged standing can promote corrosion. Finally, request the full service book and any receipts for recent tyre, brake or suspension work to confirm that the vehicle has been maintained in line with the advisories noted in its MOT record.