2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FN08 KME

This 2008 Ford Fiesta presents an unusually clean MOT record for a vehicle of its age, with a particularly notable outcome on 13 January 2026 where it both passed and failed on the same date, the failure showing no defects recorded against it. Across its last five tests dating back to January 2023, the vehicle has accumulated no advisories and no recorded defects of any kind. While this clean record is reassuring on the surface, it is worth noting that a completely advisory-free history on a nearly two-decade-old car is uncommon and may reflect either genuinely well-maintained mechanical condition, very limited annual use reducing wear exposure, or that advisories were simply not flagged. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any historical advisories means there is no documented early warning of component wear to guide specific inspection priorities, making a physical inspection more important than usual. With 66,671 miles recorded against an 18-year vehicle age, this Fiesta has averaged roughly 3,704 miles per year, which is well below typical usage for a small Ford of this vintage. There is also a clear gap in the MOT history between January 2023 and January 2025, suggesting the car may have been off the road for a period, laid up in storage, or used very lightly without requiring testing. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature generally preserves brake discs, clutches, and drivetrain components, but it raises specific concerns around items that degrade through standing rather than use. Rubber components such as suspension bushes, engine mounts, brake hoses, and tyre sidewalls harden and crack with age regardless of mileage, and the long standing periods implied here can accelerate deterioration of these parts. Corrosion on underbody components and brake hydraulic seals can also advance without active use flushing moisture away. Given the complete absence of advisories in the MOT record, a buyer cannot rely on the history to identify which components are approaching the end of their service life. Instead, a hands-on assessment is essential, starting with a thorough inspection of the underbody for any surface corrosion on suspension arms, subframe mounting points, brake pipes, and the exhaust system, all of which are common failure points on a Fiesta of this generation. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes or top mounts in the MacPherson strut assemblies. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel under braking, as seized or binding front calipers and warped discs are typical age-related issues on low-mileage cars that have sat idle. Check that the clutch bite point is firm and not slipping under load, as clutch hydraulic seals can perish during long periods of non-use. Finally, verify the age and condition of all four tyres, as perished sidewalls and outdated rubber are a likely finding on a car of this age regardless of tread depth, and confirm that the braking system feels progressive and pulls neither left nor right under firm pedal pressure. Inspect all visible rubber piping under the bonnet and beneath the vehicle for cracking or weeping, particularly the brake lines running along the chassis rails and the fuel lines beneath the floorpan. The engine should start cleanly from cold without excessive smoke or hesitation, and once at operating temperature there should be no significant oil misting around the cam cover or valve cover gasket, another common leak point on the Fiesta's Zetec engine. Given the limited mileage and evidence of intermittent use, also confirm that the cooling system has been regularly serviced, as prolonged standing can allow internal corrosion to develop within the radiator and heater matrix, potentially leading to leaks when the system is refilled and pressurised.