2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · HV59 HRP

The 2009 Ford Fiesta carries a history of intermittent mechanical troubles that spans nearly a decade, with three separate failing MOTs recorded between September 2022 and August 2026. The most recent test on 2026-07-31 achieved a pass but retained advising items related to steering system noise and oil leakage, suggesting that while the vehicle cleared its current requirement, latent issues remain unresolved. Earlier failures in 2023 and again in July 2026 indicate a pattern of progressive deterioration rather than isolated incidents, with particular concerns emerging around steering play, fluid integrity, and lighting alignment that have not been fully remedied even after successful inspections. This cumulative advisory burden points toward a vehicle requiring thorough attention before considering a purchase. At 113,547 miles on a model aged approximately seventeen years, the vehicle accumulates roughly 6,679 miles annually—a rate consistent with normal aging but masking the uneven wear patterns revealed by the MOT history. The gap between the 2022-09-30 pass and the 2023-09-29 pass shows improved compliance, yet the 2023-09-27 failure reintroduced headlamp aiming errors alongside other deficiencies, indicating that higher mileage does not automatically guarantee better reliability when underlying systems are under stress. The absence of any recorded failures between 2024 and 2026 suggests the vehicle may have stabilised temporarily, but the prior cluster of failures concentrated during the mid-to-late 2020s implies that significant mechanical work has likely been deferred or undetected. The current mileage figure therefore reflects accumulated exposure to the same problem areas rather than a pristine driving history. When inspecting this Fiesta, pay close attention to the steering system for any rhythmic knocking or clunking over bumps, as the 2026-07-31 test recorded a mild knock associated with the steering system and this type of noise often correlates with worn bushing seals or loose tie rod ends that generate audible vibration during cornering. The oil-related advisories—specifically the offside oil leak from the gearbox driveshaft and the minor exhaust gas flexi-pipe leak—should be verified visually and by checking for damp spots near the engine bay and exhaust manifold; persistent oil seepage can indicate internal seal failure or a leaking line that may require replacement. The front brake pads measured below the mandatory 1.5 mm threshold in the 2026-07-22 failure, so a test drive will reveal a hard, short-braking feel and potential pedal pulsation when approaching corners, especially on exposed roads. Lighting systems present their own set of checks, beginning with the rear fog lamp lens identified as defective in 2024 and again noted in 2022, which may produce an incorrectly projected beam that reduces visibility in poor weather conditions; a quick road test under dim conditions will confirm whether the beam shape matches regulatory standards. The axle swivel pins and bushes showing near-wear in 2025 and 2026 point to potential handling instability—listen for a clicking or grinding sensation through the chassis when turning and watch for front wheel wander at speed. Finally, the front and rear tyres show signs of accelerated wear with one side appearing distorted and the other worn close to legal limits, so examine tread depth consistently across both wheels and inspect the sidewalls for cuts or bulges that could compromise structural integrity. Addressing these specific failure points before acquisition is essential given the documented pattern of recurring defects.