2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · FN08 FHG

The most recent DVSA MOT, dated 4 October 2023, resulted in a failure. The test identified a non‑functional front position lamp on the nearside, a non‑working nearside stop lamp and, as an advisory, a minor leak from the rear exhaust. Although the vehicle otherwise met the pass criteria, the lighting faults constitute a definite failure and the exhaust leak, while only advisory, points to a developing issue. Over the past five years the pattern shows a shift from clean passes in 2018‑2020 to recurring lamp failures in 2021 and 2023, with corrosion advisories appearing in 2022, indicating a modest deterioration rather than a steady improvement. At 139,766 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 7,800 mi per annum, which sits squarely within normal usage for an 18‑year‑old family hatchback. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest severe over‑use, nor are there long gaps that might hint at prolonged storage. The mileage level means that wear items such as engine bearings, clutch components and drivetrain joints are likely to have accumulated a fair amount of life, while consumables such as tyres, brake pads and suspension bushings will be approaching the end of their typical service intervals. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the lighting system. Verify that all position, stop and indicator lamps illuminate correctly, and inspect the wiring looms for corrosion or cracked connectors that could cause intermittent failures. Replace any faulty bulbs and, if the wiring appears degraded, have the harness inspected and repaired. The rear‑exhaust leak, though minor, should be examined for cracks or deteriorated joints; a leak can lead to increased noise, reduced fuel efficiency and, over time, rust on the rear sub‑frame. The 2022 advisories about off‑side and nearside rear coil‑spring mount corrosion, while not yet structurally compromised, warrant a visual check for rust flaking or loss of metal thickness; any sign of weakening should prompt replacement of the mounts to avoid suspension sag or handling changes. The twisted off‑side front brake hose noted in 2022 should be inspected for kinks, cracking or fluid leakage, and replaced if any damage is evident, as a compromised hose can lead to reduced braking performance. Beyond the recorded defects, age‑related checks are essential. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that can arise from long periods of storage or age, and confirm that tread depth remains above the legal minimum. Inspect the battery for sulphation, low voltage and swollen cases, especially if the car has spent time idle; a load test or replacement may be prudent. Look for signs of corrosion on the chassis, especially around wheel arches and underbody, and verify that all fluid levels (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and power‑steering fluid) have been refreshed within the recommended intervals, as time can degrade their effectiveness even without high mileage. Finally, a thorough test‑drive should reveal any suspension clunks, steering play, brake shudder or exhaust rattles, all of which would indicate that further maintenance is required before committing to purchase.