2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · FP10 FDV

The vehicle most recently underwent MOT testing on 5 March 2026, where it achieved a Pass classification, albeit with a contemporaneous failure recorded the same day that was subsequently rectified. The failure itself was caused by straightforward electrical defects relating to the nearside and offside front position lamps, which are typically remedied by replacing inexpensive bulbs. However, the advisory items recorded alongside this outcome are considerably more meaningful from a mechanical standpoint. The front brake discs have been flagged as worn at every single MOT inspection since 2022, indicating a chronic and progressive deterioration of the braking surface. The most recent test further recorded an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, alongside an oil leak that, while not excessive, has been a recurring advisory for four consecutive years. Reviewing the broader trajectory, the maintenance picture appears stable rather than improving, with persistent advisories around braking, oil leaks, and suspension or steering components accumulating over time rather than being resolved. With 130,953 recorded miles over an approximate 16-year service life, this Fiesta has averaged around 8,185 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no significant mileage gaps or anomalies evident in the recorded readings, suggesting fairly consistent usage over the years. While this mileage is not excessive, it does place the vehicle in a category where mid-life wear items such as suspension bushes, coil springs, exhaust mountings, and clutch components may be approaching the end of their serviceable life. The recurring advisories corroborate this, with steering rack play noted in both 2022 and 2023, and a minor exhaust gas leak flagged in 2023, all of which point to age-related wear rather than any singular catastrophic failure. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front brake disc advisory demands particular attention, as the condition has now been flagged across four years of testing. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder through the steering wheel or pedal pulsation under firm application, which would indicate the discs have worn beyond their service limit and require machining or replacement. Pads should also be inspected, as worn discs typically coincide with pad material nearing replacement. The persistent oil leak advisory, which has appeared in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2026, warrants a thorough under-bonnet inspection to determine whether the source is the cam cover gasket, sump, or a higher-cost area such as the crankshaft seal. When inspecting, look for fresh oil residue on the lower engine and bellhousing, and during a road test, observe whether any blue smoke is visible from the exhaust on startup or under hard acceleration, which would suggest more serious internal wear. Additional age-related checks are essential given the vehicle is now 16 years old. The offside rear tyre flagged in 2026 should prompt a close inspection of all four tyres for age-related sidewall perishing, even if the tread depth appears legal, as rubber degrades chemically over time regardless of mileage. With standing periods likely interspersed through its life, the 12V battery should be load tested to confirm its state of health, and the brake caliper slide pins should be checked for corrosion or seizure, particularly given the persistent disc wear pattern. Coolant and brake fluid are time-serviced items that degrade on a calendar basis rather than by mileage, so confirm when these were last renewed, as neglected fluid can lead to internal corrosion within the cooling system and reduced braking performance. Finally, with the steering rack showing slight free play in two consecutive tests, the inner track rod ends and rack gaiters warrant close examination for splits or wear, as replacement of these components can be disproportionately costly on a car of this value.