2004 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · GL53 UOW

A remarkably clean and consistent MOT record defines this 2004 Ford Fiesta, with every recorded test either passing cleanly or showing no recorded defects at all. The most recent outcome on 2 October 2024 reflects this trend, with a pass recorded alongside a separate same-day failure entry that also shows no defects recorded, a somewhat unusual administrative occurrence but one that does not detract from the broader picture of sustained roadworthiness. Across five tests spanning from January 2022 to October 2024, there are no advisories, no advisories on suspension components, brake systems, exhaust integrity, or corrosion, and no recurring failure points whatsoever. For a 22-year-old vehicle, this level of MOT cleanliness is exceptional and suggests the car has remained mechanically sound throughout its testing history without chronic or developing issues being flagged by DVSA examiners. The recorded mileage of 63,931 miles against a 22-year vehicle age equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 2,906 miles, which is markedly low for a car of this vintage. There are no recorded mileage gaps in the MOT history to indicate long periods off the road, but the consistently low annual figure strongly suggests this Fiesta has seen only light use, potentially including extended periods of stationary storage between infrequent journeys. From a mechanical standpoint, this low-mileage profile means wear items such as brake discs, pads, clutch friction material, and drivetrain components are likely to be well preserved, though the trade-off with low usage and possible standing time is the heightened risk of age-related degradation in rubber seals, coolant hoses, and electrical components that deteriorate through time rather than mileage. Given the completely clean advisory history, a prospective buyer should still focus their pre-purchase inspection on the items most likely to fail on a 22-year-old Ford Fiesta even without prior MOT flags. Particular attention should be paid to the front suspension, including the wishbone bushes, drop links, and anti-roll bar mounting, which are known wear items on this model and can develop play without necessarily crossing MOT failure thresholds. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning into kerbs or passing over speed bumps, and check for vagueness or wandering in the steering which may indicate worn tie bar bushes or top mount issues. Also inspect visually for any bubbling or flaking paint along the inner wheel arches, sill seams, and the area around the rear bumper mounts, as these are classic corrosion zones on the Mk6 Fiesta that DVSA may not always flag until they become structurally significant. For the braking system, although no defects have been recorded, a physical check of disc thickness and pad material is worthwhile given the car's age, and the buyer should feel for any judder through the brake pedal or steering wheel under firm application, which would indicate disc lipping or warping. The exhaust system, particularly the rear sil Boxer and centre pipe joint, should be inspected for blowing noises at idle and signs of corrosion around the mounting rubbers and clamp points. Under the bonnet, check for any signs of oil seepage around the cam cover gasket and the sump plug area, and verify that the coolant is clean and at the correct strength, as low usage can lead to concentration of old coolant that accelerates internal corrosion. Finally, ensure the vehicle starts cleanly from cold without excessive cranking, as a low-mileage car that has been standing can develop starting difficulties from a weakened battery or stale fuel, both of which are common on lightly used older vehicles and would not necessarily be reflected in the MOT data.