2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FN09 DWG

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 March 2026 culminated in a pass, but it followed immediately after a same-day failure that recorded two major defects, namely an offside front position lamp not working and an offside front track rod end ball joint with excessive play. This pattern of passing on a re-test after remedial work is not uncommon, but the underlying defects warrant close scrutiny because they indicate that the steering linkage and exterior lighting have both reached a stage where active replacement was necessary. The earlier March 2025 test followed an almost identical trajectory, with stop lamp and position lamp majors accompanied by an advisory for slight play in the offside track rod end, suggesting that the steering and lighting concerns have been developing progressively rather than appearing in isolation. When set against the relatively clean pass of March 2023 and the broadly minor-and-advisory results of 2021, 2022, and 2024, the overall trajectory points to a vehicle whose condition is gradually worsening, particularly with respect to front suspension and steering wear items that recur at successive tests. The recorded mileage of 133,510 miles on a 2009 Fiesta equates to an average of roughly 7,850 miles per year over a seventeen-year life, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and suggests reasonably steady rather than extreme use. There is no dramatic spike in accumulated mileage between consecutive tests, with the gaps between annual MOTs showing consistent increments of a few thousand miles, indicating that the car has been in regular service rather than left standing for prolonged periods. That said, the wear pattern visible in the MOT history, particularly the recurring coil spring corrosion across all four corners, the front brake disc surface deterioration, and the progressively noted suspension arm bushes and track rod ends, is consistent with the cumulative effect of sustained road use on UK roads over many winters where salt exposure accelerates corrosion of ferrous and suspension components. The repeated advisories relating to coil spring corrosion, first noted on the nearside and offside rear units in 2021 and progressing to all four springs by 2024 before the most recent test singles out the rear pair once more, indicate that spring replacement is likely to be required in the medium term, as corrosion weakens the metal and can ultimately lead to fracture. A prospective buyer should listen for any clonking or rattling from the rear suspension on uneven surfaces, and visually inspect the springs for visible pitting, scaling, or flaking, paying particular attention to the lower coils where corrosion initiates. Similarly, the front lower suspension arm ball joints noted with slight play in 2024 and the offside track rod end progressing from slight play in 2025 to excessive play by March 2026 demonstrate a clear wear progression. On a test drive, the buyer should pay close attention to any vagueness in steering response, uneven or inner-edge tyre wear suggesting camber or toe misalignment, and any knocking or shuddering through the steering wheel when traversing speed humps or potholes. The vehicle should ideally be placed on a ramp for a thorough inspection of these joints, as MOT advisories can underestimate wear until the next annual examination. Beyond the recorded suspension and steering concerns, the auxiliary drive belt was flagged as damaged in March 2025, and the offside rear exhaust has now developed a minor gas leak, both of which are routine age-related degradations on a high-mileage vehicle. The exhaust leak should be listened for as a ticking or hissing noise from beneath the rear of the car, particularly on cold start, and the auxiliary belt should be visually inspected for cracks, fraying, or glazing, with the alternator, power steering pump, and water pump listened for any whining or squealing that could indicate imminent bearing failure. Given the age and mileage, the buyer should also make physical checks that fall outside the MOT scope, including verification of tyre sidewall condition for perishing or cracking as the rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of tread depth, inspection of the 12 volt battery for secure mounting and clean terminals, and confirmation that brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil have been changed in line with calendar intervals rather than purely mileage, as fluids degrade chemically over time. The recurring windscreen damage advisories since 2021 and the damaged rear bumper should also be examined for any consequential cracking that could worsen, and the service history stamps should be cross-checked to confirm timely maintenance of the timing chain or belt, clutch, and gearbox oil where applicable to a Fiesta of this era and mileage.