2002 Ford Fiesta 1.3L Petrol · HX52 VJA

The vehicle shows a consistent history of escalating corrosion and suspension-related wear, despite its relatively low annual mileage. In the most recent test in December 2023 at 88,742 miles, the car passed with a significant number of advisories including a deteriorated engine stabilizer mount, corroded offside front coil spring, and a defective rear exhaust mounting. The tester also noted that the rear brakes only just met the requirements, suggesting the braking system is beginning to require attention. The recurring presence of corroded rear axle and suspension mounting points across multiple years indicates that the structural integrity is being challenged by age and environmental exposure rather than distance driven. At 24 years old, the Fiesta has covered 88,742 miles, averaging roughly 3,700 miles per year. This low rate of use explains the instances of degradation in rubber components, such as the perished tyres and split wiper blades noted in the 2021 and 2022 tests. However, the low mileage has not prevented mechanical decay or rust, as evidenced by the persistent corrosion on the sub-frame, rear axle, and floor areas recorded from 2018 through 2023. The failures in 2020, 2021, and 2022 were largely due to rectify items like wipers, headlamp aim, and distorted wheels, but the underlying suspension issues remain a constant theme. A buyer should scrutinize the corrosion on the rear axle and front sub-frame, as these have been flagged for several years without total resolution. The offside front brake pipe was noted as corroded and covered in grease, potentially masking further decay that needs a close inspection. Given the misting on the rear shock absorbers and the worn rear axle bushes, the suspension is likely nearing the end of its functional life. While the car is currently roadworthy, the trend of worsening rust on critical mounting points and suspension arms suggests a vehicle that is becoming increasingly expensive to maintain to a high standard.