2002 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · HW02 AFF

Structural corrosion within the rear suspension mounting prescribed areas is the primary mechanical concern for this vehicle, having caused a major failure in November 2021 and reappearing as an advisory in the most recent pass on 25 October 2025. This indicates a chronic vulnerability to rust in critical load-bearing areas that requires ongoing monitoring. While the vehicle has maintained a passing trend since late 2021, the recurrence of these advisories suggests that previous remedial work may be degrading or that the underlying corrosion is persistent. An average annual accumulation of approximately 5,826 miles is low for a vehicle of this vintage, suggesting it has not been used for heavy commuting or long-distance travel. While this results in less cumulative wear on the engine and gearbox internals, lower usage patterns in older UK vehicles often correlate with increased moisture retention and accelerated corrosion in chassis components, which aligns with the recorded structural issues in the rear suspension mounts. During a physical inspection, particular attention must be paid to the rear suspension mounting points to determine the extent of the current corrosion and whether any previous weld repairs are beginning to fail. On the test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds from the rear when traversing uneven surfaces, as well as any instability in the chassis. The history of worn Macpherson strut pins and bushes on the front axle suggests a need to check for vague steering response or creaking noises during low-speed manoeuvring. The engine bay and underside should be examined for evidence of the oil leaks flagged in 2022 and 2024, looking specifically for fresh seepage around the gaskets or sump. Additionally, the exhaust system should be inspected for the minor leaks previously recorded, which may manifest as a louder-than-normal idle or a distinct hissing sound under acceleration. Ensure the vehicle is checked for any active oil misting that could indicate a worsening leak beyond the levels previously described as non-excessive.