2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · GL04 DVC

The most recent MOT test on 10 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance history reveals a concerning trend regarding structural integrity. While the latest result shows only surface corrosion, the failure in May 2025 highlights significant issues with excessive corrosion to the nearside and offside rear suspension component mountings within the sill area. This indicates that the vehicle has previously suffered from serious structural degradation that directly impacts its safety and legality. Although the vehicle has passed since those major defects were addressed, the recurring mention of corrosion suggests a pattern of progressive deterioration that requires close monitoring to ensure the chassis remains sound. With a recorded mileage of 201,299 over approximately 22 years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 9,150 miles per year. This level of usage is consistent with typical long-term ownership and suggests the car has been used regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods. While consistent usage can help prevent certain types of seizure, the high total mileage means that mechanical components such as the drivetrain, suspension bushes, and engine internals will have experienced significant cumulative wear. The buyer should expect that many high-mileage consumables may be nearing the end of their service life, despite the relatively steady annual mileage. A prospective buyer must pay particular attention to the underside of the vehicle during a physical inspection. The history of major failures regarding sill corrosion and corroded brake pipes indicates that the vehicle is highly susceptible to oxidation. You should inspect the sills, floor pans, and suspension mounting points for any signs of bubbling paint, flaky rust, or fresh welding repairs. During a test drive, listen carefully for any knocking or clunking from the rear suspension, which could indicate that the previously noted engine mount bush wear or sill-related structural issues have impacted the stability of the suspension geometry. Additionally, check the brake pedal feel; any sponginess or pulsation could indicate that the previously corroded brake pipes have been patched rather than fully replaced, or that the braking system is beginning to suffer from internal degradation. Beyond the structural concerns, the history of oil leaks and CV boot failures necessitates a thorough check of the engine bay and drive shafts. Look for fresh oil weeping around the sump, rocker cover, or seals, as the recurring advisories for leaks suggest the engine seals may be aging. Inspect the CV boots for any splits or grease spray, which would indicate imminent failure of the constant velocity joints. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, you should also verify the condition of the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, check the 12V battery for signs of terminal corrosion, and ensure that the coolant and brake fluids have been changed according to a calendar-based schedule rather than just mileage, as these fluids degrade over time regardless of distance driven.