2004 Ford Fusion 1.4L Diesel · GR54 EYA

The Ford Fusion most recently passed its MOT on 16 March 2026 at 29,358 miles, with no advisories or defects recorded, which presents the current roadworthy status as active. However, this pass followed immediately after a failure on 11 March 2026, also listed without recorded defect details. Two failures are documented within the five-test history, one in August 2022 and the other in March 2026, while the three passes in between were all clean. The pattern is inconsistent rather than showing a clear stable, worsening, or improving trend. A buyer should note that no diagnostic information is available for either failure, so the specific cause of the most recent repair cannot be confirmed from the MOT record alone. At 22 years of age, the recorded mileage of 29,358 equates to an annual average of roughly 1,334 miles, which is exceptionally low. The history spans from August 2022 to March 2026, with two test clusters in August 2022 (a failure on the 16th followed by a pass on the 17th) and March 2026 (a failure on the 11th followed by a pass on the 16th). The gap between August 2023 and March 2026 represents nearly two and a half years with no recorded test activity, consistent with low usage or extended standing periods rather than regular driving. Such low accumulated mileage can mask age-related deterioration in rubber components, brake hydraulic seals, suspension bushes, coil springs, and exhaust mounting rubbers, which degrade through time and exposure rather than through distance covered. The MOT tester has not flagged these items, but the inspection regime only assesses condition at the moment of testing, not long-term degradation. A prospective buyer should arrange a physical inspection focused on the braking system, including the rear calipers for binding, brake discs for corrosion lipping, and the hydraulic fluid for moisture absorption given the low mileage. The suspension should be examined for perished bushes, sagging coil springs, and worn top mounts, as these components stiffen and crack with age regardless of mileage. The underbody and structural areas, particularly around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe mounting points, warrant close scrutiny for corrosion, since standing periods in damp conditions accelerate surface oxidation. Tyre condition should also be checked, as old tyres with hardened sidewalls can pass a tread depth test while remaining unsafe. Finally, the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter and rubber hangers, should be assessed for internal corrosion and brittleness. The March 2026 failure without a listed defect means a pre-purchase diagnostic scan and a careful visual examination by a qualified mechanic remain essential before purchase.