2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · FN60 KLC

The most recent DVSA examination on 23 April 2026 resulted in a Pass, but it was issued only one day after the vehicle failed on 22 April 2026. The failure resulted in three Major defects concerning structural corrosion at both rear outer sills within the prescribed suspension mounting areas, along with a major leak of exhaust gases from the rear exhaust. The vehicle then passed the following day, suggesting the work was rectified and resubmitted quickly. Although the latest outcome is favourable, the presence of structural corrosion majors and a recurring brake pipe advisory across consecutive years indicates an overall maintenance trend that is worsening rather than stable. A prospective buyer should treat the rear sill repair as a serious structural concern and seek verification of the quality, extent, and method of the rectification, ideally with photographic evidence, as corrosion in suspension mounting prescribed areas can compromise crash safety and structural integrity. With 146,429 miles recorded over approximately 16 years, this Ford Fiesta has averaged around 9,152 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history to suggest prolonged standing, although the mileage progression between annual tests has been steady rather than excessive. Given the age and accumulated mileage, wear-related deterioration on suspension, steering, braking, and exhaust components is to be expected, and the recorded defects do largely mirror what one would anticipate from a high-mileage supermini approaching the latter portion of its service life. The presence of advisories spanning several consecutive tests suggests that known issues have been monitored but not always rectified at the point of test, which is a common pattern when owners defer non-critical work. The most pressing recurring advisories relate to the offside front brake pipe, which has been flagged as corroded and covered in grease or other material across the 2025 and 2026 tests. Brake line corrosion is a safety-critical concern because weakened pipes may eventually crack under hydraulic pressure, leading to brake failure. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for any scraping, grinding, or squealing from the brakes, feel for a soft or spongy pedal, and inspect the offside front wheel arch area carefully for rust, dampness, or signs of recent patching. Any history of brake pipe replacement should be evidenced, and a thorough inspection of all underbody brake lines is warranted given the vehicle's age and exposure to corrosion. Suspension and steering defects have also appeared repeatedly, including track rod end play, rear axle swivel pins and bushes, suspension arm bushes, and most recently the corroded rear sill suspension mounting areas. These items directly affect handling, tyre wear, and ride quality. Symptoms to look for on a test drive include knocking or clonking from the front or rear suspension over uneven surfaces, vagueness or wandering in the steering, uneven or feathered tyre wear, and excessive body roll through faster bends. The rear exhaust major leak and adrift heat shield suggest the system is nearing the end of its service life, so a careful listen for blowing, ticking, or rattling under acceleration and over bumps is advisable. Additionally, given the age of the vehicle, the buyer should confirm the condition of tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking, check the 12V battery health as units of this age commonly suffer reduced capacity, verify the freshness of engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil in line with calendar-based service intervals, and ensure the service book contains consistent stamps or that there is documented evidence of recent cambelt or timing chain attention appropriate to the mileage.