2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · FN09 OMF

The most recent DVSA examination dated 9 January 2026 recorded a PASS, although three tyre-related advisories were noted across the front offside and both rear tyres, indicating wear close to the legal limit and edge wear patterns. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend is decidedly inconsistent and points to a vehicle with recurring mechanical concerns. The car has failed three MOT tests within roughly three years, accumulating a significant number of Major defects across braking, suspension, lighting, drivetrain, and tyre categories. Two separate instances of fractured offside front coil springs in late 2022 and again in early 2026 are particularly noteworthy, suggesting either persistent suspension stress or potentially substandard repair work between tests. The accumulation of advisories relating to brake disc wear in 2022, followed by binding brake and suspension ball joint issues in 2025, indicates progressive wear typical of an older, heavily used vehicle rather than isolated incidents. With 141,106 miles recorded on a 2009 Fiesta covering approximately seventeen years, the average annual mileage is around 8,300 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest long periods of standing, and the continuous testing pattern implies the vehicle has remained in regular use throughout its life. That said, the combination of relatively modest annual averages and a high absolute mileage points to a car that has simply covered a great many cumulative miles rather than one subjected to particularly harsh driving cycles. Mechanically, this kind of long-term accumulation places considerable wear on suspension components, braking hardware, engine ancillaries, and the clutch or automatic transmission internals if applicable, so the observed history of suspension and brake deterioration is entirely consistent with the odometer reading. Given the recurring defects, a prospective buyer should approach this Fiesta with considerable care and budget for near-term maintenance. The repeat coil spring failures warrant a thorough physical inspection of all four corners; listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven bumps, or during full steering lock manoeuvres, and visually check for any sagging at the affected wheel. The 2025 advisories concerning the nearside front brake binding should be followed up by checking for pulling to one side under braking, a hot wheel after driving, or a brake pedal that feels higher than normal, as a seized caliper slider would replicate the original failure. The split and deteriorated constant velocity boots recorded on multiple occasions must be inspected for fresh grease loss, and any clicking or knocking on full-lock turning would indicate that the joint itself has now failed rather than just the protective boot. Worn front brake discs noted in 2022 should also be evaluated for brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under heavy application, which would suggest the discs have reached their minimum thickness or have developed excessive run-out. Tyre wear should be examined not only for remaining tread depth but also for uneven inner or outer edge wear, which could indicate misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak damping. Beyond the recorded defects, a buyer of any seventeen-year-old Fiesta should also carry out age-related checks even where no specific MOT advisories apply. Tyre sidewalls should be inspected carefully for perishing or cracking from age, particularly given the repeated edge-wear advisories across several tests, as rubber degrades regardless of mileage. The 12-volt battery should be tested for cranking performance, as a weak cell is a common failure point on vehicles of this age and can cause false warning lights. Coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should all be checked for condition and age, since brake fluid in particular is hygroscopic and should be renewed every two years regardless of use. Finally, examine the underbody and wheel arches for any signs of corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the rear axle, as Fiestas of this generation are known to develop structural rust in salt‑exposed areas, and verify the service book stamps to confirm that cambelt and clutch or transmission oil changes have been carried out at the correct intervals for a vehicle now well beyond 140,000 miles.