2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · FN59 HTY

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2009 Ford Fiesta was conducted on 11 August 2025, resulting in a pass with no defects or advisories recorded. Reviewing the recent history, the vehicle has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance trend, with successful passes recorded on 6 February 2025 and 3 February 2024. The two failure entries dated 6 February 2025 and 3 February 2024 appear immediately alongside the same-day passes, suggesting minor advisory-level items were identified, rectified on site, and the vehicle subsequently retested and approved within the same visit. The absence of any recorded advisories or recurring defect categories such as braking, suspension, tyres, or exhaust across the available history indicates that the Fiesta has been maintained to a satisfactory standard at the point of each annual test, with no progressive deterioration flagged by the examiner. With an accumulated mileage of 90,470 miles over approximately seventeen years, the vehicle is averaging around 5,322 miles annually, which is notably below the typical usage rate for a car of this age and class. This low annual mileage suggests the Fiesta may have experienced extended periods of standing or only occasional short-trip use. While low mileage is often associated with reduced wear on major drivetrain components such as the engine and transmission, prolonged inactivity can introduce its own set of mechanical concerns. Standing vehicles are particularly susceptible to corrosion on brake discs, binding or seized brake calipers, oxidation of fluid systems, and deterioration of rubber and polymer components purely through age rather than mechanical fatigue. Any extended gaps between annual mileages would be worth clarifying with the seller, as consistent low-mileage years point more toward genuine light use than intermittent standing. Given the clean MOT history and the advanced age of the vehicle, a prospective buyer should focus on age-related deterioration rather than usage-related wear. The tyres should be examined carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade over time regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of their legal condition. The braking system warrants a physical inspection to confirm the brake discs are free from severe corrosion and that the calipers are operating without binding, which can be assessed by lifting each wheel and checking for smooth rotation and even pad wear. A thorough test drive should include several moderate brake applications from speed to detect any shudder, pulsation, or uneven pulling that would indicate warped discs or seized caliper pistons, alongside listening for suspension knocks over uneven surfaces which would point to worn bushes or coil springs common in vehicles of this vintage. Further attention should be given to time-based servicing items that do not form part of the MOT inspection. The 12-volt battery is a critical concern on a seventeen-year-old vehicle, particularly one with low mileage, as short infrequent journeys prevent adequate charging and standing periods accelerate internal degradation; a load test is strongly recommended. All vehicle fluids, including engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil if applicable, should be checked for age-related degradation, with brake fluid being particularly susceptible to moisture absorption which lowers its boiling point and compromises braking performance. The exhaust system, including mounting rubbers and the catalytic converter, should be inspected for corrosion, and the underside of the vehicle examined for any surface oxidation or structural corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the sills. Finally, verifying a complete and consistent service history with documented cambelt replacement, if applicable to this engine variant, would provide additional reassurance of long-term mechanical integrity.