2006 Ford Fiesta Zetec Climate S-A 1.4L Other · GEZ 4077

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 15 March 2024 at 86,750 miles passed without defects, confirming it remains roadworthy for the time being. However, the history reveals a concerning pattern of two consecutive failures in late 2021 and early 2022, both within a week of each other, despite no defects being recorded on either occasion. This inconsistency suggests either an administrative error in the testing process or a vehicle that narrowly avoided serious issues during those tests. The last three tests—all within the past two years—have been clean, but the proximity of the 2021 failures warrants scrutiny of components prone to gradual deterioration, such as suspension bushes or brake calipers, which might have been close to failure thresholds at the time. The recorded mileage of 86,750 miles over 20 years—approximately 4,338 miles annually—is unusually low for a vehicle of this age, indicating either minimal use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2021 failures (77,273 and 77,342 miles) and the subsequent pass (77,342 miles) is particularly odd, as the mileage barely advanced, yet the vehicle passed the retest. This suggests either a temporary resolution to an undocumented issue or a lack of meaningful mileage accumulation during that period. The most recent test in March 2024, just 21 months ago, means the vehicle has not yet reached its next MOT due date, though the irregularities in the prior history remain a red flag. Given the repeated near-failures in late 2021, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear bushes and coil springs, which often degrade incrementally and can cause handling issues or binding brakes. The brakes themselves were not explicitly flagged in the failures, but the tester’s repeated proximity to failure thresholds suggests a need to verify disc thickness, caliper binding, and master cylinder condition. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, should also be examined, as this model is prone to rust-related failures. The absence of defects in the last two tests does not guarantee stability, and the low mileage may mask deeper wear—such as seized joints or degraded hoses—hidden by lack of use. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.