2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · FP10 AAN

The most recent MOT test on 27 October 2025 resulted in a Pass, although it should be noted that the same date also records a Fail submission earlier in the day which was subsequently rectified to allow the vehicle to pass. The Fail items comprised a non-functioning near-side rear stop lamp and serious fluid leaks from both rear shock absorbers, all of which are safety-critical defects that have been addressed prior to the Pass certificate being issued. The advisory items from that test are concerning and point to a vehicle with significant underbody corrosion: both rear lower coil springs and the near-side front upper coil spring are all noted as corroded, alongside an engine oil leak from the lower front of the powertrain. Looking at the broader MOT trajectory, the 2024 test similarly carried advisories for cracking and perishing rear tyres, and the 2023 pass noted a fuel smell under the bonnet. The accumulation of structural and component advisories over consecutive tests suggests a maintenance profile that is best described as deteriorating rather than stable, with particular attention warranted to the suspension and corrosion-related items. With 133,958 miles recorded on a 2010 Fiesta, the vehicle has covered approximately 8,372 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and indicates regular use rather than prolonged standing. This is a positive indicator for general mechanical health, as consistent usage tends to discourage issues such as seized brake calipers, deteriorated tyre sidewalls from stationary load, and severe internal engine corrosion from infrequent oil circulation. However, the higher-than-average absolute mileage on a sixteen-year-old supermini does place considerable wear on the clutch, engine ancillaries, suspension bushes, and exhaust system. There are no notable gaps in the MOT history that would suggest extended periods off the road, which is reassuring from a corrosion and component-seizure perspective. Given the recurring advisories, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical examination of the suspension system, including a careful visual inspection of all four coil springs for any signs of advanced corrosion, distortion, or fracture, as corroded springs can ultimately snap and cause catastrophic handling failure. The test drive should focus on listening for any clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn shock absorber mounting bushes or top mounts, and any unusual wallowing, excessive body roll, or poor recovery from bumps which would confirm shock absorber degradation. The rear brake system should be checked for binding calipers, given that the vehicle has clearly been used extensively, and the discs examined for lip corrosion and scoring. The stop lamp defect recorded on the 2025 Fail should be verified as fully rectified by testing all rear lighting including the high-level stop lamp, and the wiring and bulb holders examined for corrosion given the vehicle's age. Beyond the specific advisory items, age-appropriate inspections are essential on a sixteen-year-old vehicle with this mileage. The engine oil leak noted on the lower front of the engine bay should be inspected by examining the sump, oil pan gasket, and front crankshaft seal for active seepage, as even a non-excessive leak can develop into a more serious fault if left unattended. All tyres should be examined for age-related perishing and cracking on the sidewalls, paying particular attention to the inner shoulders which often wear unevenly on Fiestas due to camber variation. The brake fluid and engine coolant should be assumed to be due for renewal on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, as these fluids degrade chemically over time and loss of corrosion inhibition can lead to internal corrosion of the cooling system and brake hydraulic components. The 12V battery should be load-tested, the exhaust system physically checked for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, and the timing belt and auxiliary drive belts visually inspected for cracking, as these are calendar-based replacement items on a vehicle of this age. Finally, a thorough inspection for structural corrosion around the wheel arches, sills, and subframe mounting points is strongly advised, as the underbody advisories already recorded suggest this Fiesta may be approaching the point where structural integrity becomes a pressing concern.