1991 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · J770 CYB

A single set of MOT records is available for this 1991 Ford Fiesta, with one pass and one failure both logged on the same day, 3 July 2009, indicating the vehicle was presented at a test station with multiple electrical faults already present. The failure items centred on the front lighting and signalling circuit: the dipped beam headlamp was not functioning, the headlamp aim could not be assessed as a consequence, the nearside front direction indicator was inoperative, and the hazard warning switch was found to be faulty. These are typical electrical wear faults on a vehicle of this generation, often linked to aged bulb holders, corroded multi-plug connectors, fractured switch contacts, and degraded earth points within the front wiring loom. The accompanying advisory noted that the nearside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit, suggesting the remaining tread depth was marginal at the time of test. Mileage data is limited in the records provided, with only the current reading of 91,261 miles available to work from and no annual mileages captured within the MOT history itself. Across an approximate 35-year span since manufacture, this equates to a long-term average of around 2,600 miles per year, which is a notably low annual accumulation for a small hatchback of this type and is consistent with either very light running or extended periods of storage. Vehicles used so sparingly commonly present with age-related deterioration rather than mileage-driven wear, and the recorded failure pattern of inoperative bulbs and a failed hazard switch supports this, as plastic switch internals and bulb filaments degrade through age and lack of use rather than through high operating hours. The 17-year gap between this single recorded test episode and the present date also indicates that no DVSA history is available to verify the vehicle's roadworthiness in the intervening period. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas to examine are the integrity of the front lighting and signalling system. Both headlamps, front and rear direction indicators, the hazard switch assembly, and the main lighting stalk should be operated in person, with particular attention paid to intermittent operation, flickering, or non-function on one side, which would point to earth faults or connector corrosion behind the headlamp bowls. The condition of the front wiring loom, especially where it passes through the slam panel and around the radiator support, should be visually inspected for cracked insulation and green-corroded multi-plugs. The nearside front tyre and its offside counterpart should be checked for adequate tread depth, even wear across the full width, and any sidewall cracking or perished rubber consistent with age. Although the MOT records do not flag any suspension, brake, or corrosion advisories, the vehicle's age means a thorough mechanical inspection remains essential. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, which on a Fiesta of this era commonly originates from worn lower wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar drop links, or top mount bearings. The steering should be checked for excessive play or vagueness around the straight-ahead, and the brakes tested for pulling to one side under firm pedal pressure, which can indicate a binding or seized caliper after long periods of light use. Given the apparent low-mileage profile, the braking hydraulic system, fuel lines, and cooling hoses should be examined for internal corrosion or perished rubber, and the exhaust system checked for collapse or rust-through, particularly at the manifold joint and rear silencer mounting.