2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · FP10 FEX

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 June 2026 resulted in a pass, with a single advisory item raised concerning corrosion of the front sub-frame, which the tester assessed as not seriously weakened at that point. Looking at the wider pattern across the recorded tests, the trajectory is one of accumulating corrosion-related advisories rather than outright deterioration, with the 2023 pass standing as a notably clean entry in an otherwise increasingly populated list. Recurring themes include front suspension wear items, anti-roll bar linkage play, general underbody corrosion, and exhaust condition, all of which point to a vehicle progressing through the typical age-related degradation expected of a sixteen-year-old car. There is no evidence in the DVSA record of repeat failures or of advisories escalating into majors, which is a modestly reassuring sign, though the steady accretion of advisories each year should be regarded as a clear warning that the underside and suspension are in the latter stages of their service life. The recorded mileage of 62,260 miles across approximately sixteen years equates to a very modest annual average of around 3,890 miles, which is substantially below typical usage for a vehicle of this age and type. This low annual figure suggests either genuinely light use or, more likely given the steady MOT attendance, extended periods of standing between journeys. From a mechanical standpoint, such a usage profile is not without its own concerns, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from corrosion of brake discs due to lack of regular use, binding or seized brake calipers, deterioration of rubber components such as coolant hoses, drive belts and suspension bushes from under-use rather than wear, and the well-known issue of age-related tyre perishing regardless of remaining tread depth. The fact that the vehicle is being tested regularly indicates it is in active use, but the low mileage bracket still warrants careful inspection of items that degrade with calendar age rather than distance. Given the advisory history, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension and steering geometry. The recurring advisories concerning the anti-roll bar ball joint and linkage play suggest the bushes or joints are nearing the end of their service life, and on a test drive any knocking or clunking over uneven surfaces, vague steering, or uneven front tyre wear should be taken as confirmation that replacement is now due. The previously fractured nearside front coil spring and the advisories on both rear coil springs showing corrosion also warrant close inspection, as corroded springs can fail suddenly and any uneven ride height, sagging at one corner, or audible knocking from the rear under load would indicate imminent replacement. The wheel rims noted as slightly distorted on both sides at the front should be checked for cracks, and the brake hose ferrules showing corrosion should be examined for weeping or perished rubber, as these hoses are safety-critical and typically replaced on a time basis rather than mileage. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out a number of age-appropriate physical checks before purchase. The tyres, despite potentially having legal tread, should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing given the 2024 advisory already flagging this on the nearside front, and any tyres over five years old should be regarded as due for replacement regardless of condition. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for surface corrosion, pad material condition, and freedom of caliper slide pins, as standing periods encourage corrosion that can lead to uneven braking or binding. The exhaust system, which has already shown a minor leak at the rear joint in 2025, should be checked on a cold start for any blowing gases, rattles, or visible corrosion along its length, particularly at the mounting rubbers and joints. Underneath, the general corrosion noted to suspension components and the sub-frame should be inspected with a torch and, ideally, the vehicle placed on a ramp to assess the structural integrity of mounting points, sills, and the sub-frame itself. The service history should be verified, including confirmation of timing belt or chain replacement intervals, brake fluid and coolant renewal within the last two to three years, and the condition of the twelve-volt battery, which on a vehicle of this age is highly likely to be due for replacement and should be load-tested. Finally, a Lambda sensor replacement was effectively indicated by the 2022 failure, so confirmation of the work carried out and the current exhaust emissions behaviour would be prudent.