2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · FN09 ONW

A chronic structural corrosion issue at the offside rear sill, combined with a dangerous tyre condition and steering/suspension wear, defines the mechanical risk profile of this 2009 Ford Fiesta. The most recent pass on 18 December 2024 was achieved only six days after the vehicle failed its test on a Dangerous tyre at the offside front, alongside a Major defect for excessively corroded sill metal at the offside rear mounting area that was deemed to significantly reduce structural strength. While the retest cleared the immediate dangerous and major items, the same advisories carried forward from the failure - front brake disc wear and slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint - confirm that these are persistent wear items rather than resolved defects. The 2023 failure is also notable, recording Major defects on both front track rod ends for excessive play, an excessively loud exhaust, and a damaged rear reflector, demonstrating a pattern of significant front-end steering wear and underbody corrosion that has not been fully addressed. With 141,236 miles recorded across approximately 17 years of use, the Fiesta has covered around 8,300 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. The testing record is consistent with regular annual use, with no prolonged gaps in MOT history that would suggest extended periods off the road. This rate of accumulation means that consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension linkages will have been subjected to steady wear, and the recurring advisories on front brake discs and suspension ball joints across consecutive tests are consistent with a chassis that is beginning to show the cumulative effects of higher mileage. The 2020 advisory on thinning front brake pads also aligns with a vehicle that is progressing steadily through its wear cycle rather than being lightly used. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to inspect are the offside rear sill and surrounding structural mounting points, as the corrosion recorded at the 2024 test was severe enough to constitute a Major defect on the first attempt. The sill should be examined from underneath with a torch, paying particular attention to any perforation, bubbling under the paint, or flaking that extends towards the rear wheel arch or jacking points, as this area commonly spreads on corrosion-prone Fiestas. The front suspension and steering should also be carefully evaluated, given the play recorded in both track rod ends in 2023 and the lower arm ball joint in 2024. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any looseness, vagueness, or wandering in the steering, particularly during direction changes or under braking. The brake system warrants direct attention as well, with the front discs noted as worn across both 2024 tests. The pedal should feel firm and progressive without excessive travel, and there should be no pulling to either side under braking, which could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear on the recorded worn discs. The tyres should be checked for remaining tread depth, edge wear, and any perishing or cracking in the sidewalls, mirroring the 2024 advisories on the rear pair. Finally, the exhaust should be listened to at idle and under load for any metallic rattles, blowing sounds, or excessive volume that would suggest a failing silencer or joint, given the 2023 Major defect for excessive exhaust noise. Any of these symptoms during inspection would warrant a reduction in offer price or pre-purchase rectification before the vehicle is considered roadworthy for continued use.