2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · J14 DBJ

The most recent DVSA test on 20 July 2026 returned a Pass, but the result must be considered in the context of a failure recorded just three days earlier on 17 July 2026, which required rectification before the vehicle could be re-presented. The failure included a Dangerous defect for a nearside front tyre with a tear caused by structural separation to the cords, alongside a Major defect for the offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover no longer preventing ingress of dirt, plus four tyre-related advisories covering cracking, perishing, and a cut on the offside front. Looking at the wider trend, the vehicle has experienced an MOT failure in three consecutive years (2023, 2024, and 2025), with defects ranging from worn anti-roll bar linkage ball joints and exhaust lambda/emission failures through to significant structural corrosion on both rear sills within 30cm of the suspension mounts. Although the 2026 pass suggests a near-term improvement, the repeated pattern of advisories, majors, and dangerous defects year-on-year indicates a vehicle with ongoing maintenance demands rather than a stable, well-sorted example. The recorded mileage of 91,136 miles over approximately 17 years equates to an average of around 5,360 miles annually, which is notably low for a Fiesta of this vintage. This usage profile suggests either predominantly urban or short-journey driving, periods of extended standing, or limited use as a second car. While low annual mileage reduces wear on the engine, clutch, and drivetrain internals, it increases the likelihood of age-related deterioration elsewhere, including corrosion of body and undercarriage components, perishing of rubber bushes, seals, and tyres, degradation of brake components through standing, and potential issues with fuel system components, coolant, and the 12V battery holding charge. Given the recurring advisories and failure items recorded in the MOT history, several specific areas warrant close physical inspection and a careful test drive. The offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover was a Major failure in July 2026, and the nearside front wishbone ball joint dust cover produced a Major on the 2025 failure; with the boots compromised, dirt ingress will accelerate wear of the ball joints themselves, so listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven bumps, or when turning on full lock, and check for uneven inner-edge tyre wear. A Dangerous coolant leak was flagged in 2025, and this is a serious item on a 2009 Fiesta where age-related degradation of the plastic coolant reservoir, hoses, and the water pump is common; a cold-start inspection should look for fresh coolant staining, residue around the thermostat housing, and the header tank level, while the cabin heater should be confirmed to produce consistent hot output. The 2024 failure for an exhaust lambda reading outside limits combined with a major leak at the rear silencer indicates the catalyst and rear exhaust section have been replaced or repaired, but on a test drive listen for any re-emerging exhaust drone, ticking under acceleration, or a rotten-egg smell suggesting further catalytic or lambda sensor deterioration. The structural corrosion advisories on both rear sills within 30cm of the suspension mount are particularly significant on a 17-year-old Fiesta, so a thorough underbody examination on a ramp is strongly advised to assess whether the repairs are sound or whether further perforation is present, as extensive sill corrosion can compromise suspension geometry and long-term safety. Beyond the recorded defects, the low annual mileage and age of the vehicle mean several time-based items should be verified regardless of MOT outcome. Tyre sidewalls should be closely examined for cracking and perishing even if tread depth is adequate, as the repeated advisories on the offside front and both rear tyres suggest rubber degradation; budget for a full set if any show significant sidewall deterioration. Brake discs and calipers are prone to corrosion and seizing when a vehicle stands for prolonged periods, so check for any binding or dragging sensation when first moving off, uneven braking response, or visible rust buildup on the disc edges. Confirm the service book stamps or independent invoices show timely replacement of engine oil and filter, coolant, brake fluid, and spark plugs at calendar-appropriate intervals rather than purely mileage-based, as fluids degrade with time. Verify the 12V battery is recent and holds charge, inspect the condition of the auxiliary drive belt for cracks, and ensure the timing belt or chain service interval has been respected, as this is a critical item on a 2009 Fiesta regardless of the recorded mileage. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified independent technician, ideally with the vehicle raised on a ramp, is strongly recommended given the history of structural corrosion, suspension component wear, and exhaust issues documented in the MOT record.