2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FN57 BSO

The 2007 Ford Fiesta presents a mixed mechanical picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 2 February 2026 at 51,189 miles, passed but was preceded by a failure on the same day. That failure flagged a serious offside front shock absorber fluid leak, both front position lamps inoperative, and multiple advisories. The pass result indicates the lamp and shock absorber defects were rectified within the same testing session. The maintenance trend is neither clearly improving nor worsening. It shows a vehicle that passes but consistently carries underlying advisories requiring monitoring. The mileage accumulation is notably low. Between the February 2024 pass at 44,171 miles and the January 2025 test at 47,133 miles, the car covered 2,962 miles in just under twelve months. The subsequent jump to 51,189 miles by February 2026 represents 4,056 miles in roughly twelve months. This averages roughly 2,694 miles per year over the vehicle's nineteen-year life. Such low annual use suggests extended periods of standing, which can accelerate rubber perishing, brake pipe corrosion, and seal deterioration. The sparse MOT history, with only three tests recorded across 2024, 2025, and 2026, limits the ability to track longer-term wear patterns with confidence. A buyer should focus on the front suspension and structural corrosion. The nearside front coil spring has been flagged as corroded in three consecutive tests spanning January 2025 through February 2026, with the offside spring also noted as corroded in the February 2026 failure. This recurring corrosion advisory, combined with a serious shock absorber fluid leak and play in the steering rack inner joint, points to a front suspension system operating under degraded conditions. The front sub-frame corrosion advisory, noted as not seriously weakened in both February 2026 tests, warrants close physical inspection. Surface corrosion can mask deeper structural compromise on a vehicle of this age, particularly one that may have stood idle for long periods. The braking system also demands attention. Both front brake pipes were flagged as corroded and covered in grease or material in the February 2026 tests. Corroded brake pipes represent a genuine safety risk, as they can rupture under pressure. The oil leak, described as not excessive, should be traced to its source, as oil contamination near brake components or suspension bushings accelerates deterioration. The missing steering rack gaiter noted in January 2025, if not replaced, would have allowed dirt ingress, potentially explaining the play in the steering rack inner joint observed in the most recent test. A thorough underbody inspection, including a road test to assess brake feel and steering precision, is essential before purchase.