2005 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · KC05 VLB

A recent major fault with the nearside front suspension arm dust cover was identified and appears to have been remedied, allowing the car to pass its MOT on 8 December 2021; however, the record still shows persistent advisories for tyre tread at the legal limit on both the nearside front and off‑side rear wheels, and a non‑excessive oil leak that was present at both the failed and passed tests. The off‑side front position lamp, which caused the failure, is now recorded as functional, indicating that the most serious safety‑related issues have been addressed, but the lingering wear items suggest the vehicle is approaching the end of its current tyre and possibly oil‑seal life. At 205,853 miles over roughly 21 years the average annual mileage is about 9,800 mi, a figure that sits comfortably within typical usage for a car of this age. This mileage level means that most wear‑items such as suspension bushings, brake components and drivetrain bearings will have experienced considerable service life, but it does not suggest extreme abuse or unusually high mileage spikes that would point to hidden damage. The MOT history shows no long gaps, implying the car has been kept on a regular testing schedule, which is a positive indicator of ongoing roadworthiness checks. When you inspect the car, pay particular attention to the condition of the front suspension arm and its dust cover; listen for any clunking or knocking over bumps and feel for excessive play in the steering column, which could signal that the dust‑cover issue was only superficially repaired. Examine the tyre sidewalls and tread depth closely – the current wear is already at the legal minimum, so you should expect to replace at least two tyres imminently and verify that the remaining tyres are free from cupping or uneven wear that might indicate alignment or suspension problems. Locate the source of the oil leak by checking the engine bay for fresh oil residue around the valve cover, oil filter housing and any visible gaskets; monitor the oil level over a short drive and look for oil spots on the garage floor after the car has been parked. Given the mileage and the advisories, a thorough brake inspection is advisable: check pad thickness, disc condition and for any pedal pulsation that could hint at warped discs or worn caliper pins. Inspect all suspension bushings, especially the lower control arm and rear trailing arm, for cracks or excessive movement, as these components often deteriorate after two hundred thousand miles. Verify that all exterior lights, including the position lamp that previously failed, operate correctly and that the wiring harnesses show no corrosion. A comprehensive pre‑purchase examination that includes a road‑test for steering feel, braking performance and a check for any oil seepage will give you a clear picture of the immediate remedial costs and the overall mechanical health of this 2005 Fiesta.