2002 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · KF02 AEM

A 24 year old Ford Fiesta presenting with a fundamentally clean DVSA record across the most recent four consecutive tests, with the latest assessment on 2025-07-04 passing without a single advisory or failure item. The only blemish in the documented history is a minor 2024-06-21 advisory noting slight damage or cracking on both rear tyres, a finding that is entirely consistent with normal perishing of older rubber rather than any structural or mechanical concern. Given the vehicle's age, the absence of any advisories relating to corrosion, fluid leaks, suspension wear, brake condition, or exhaust integrity is a reassuring indicator of stable roadworthiness, though a buyer must still expect that an unrecorded recent advisory may not appear on paper. The recorded mileage of 85,660 against 24 years of registration equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 3,569 miles, which is significantly below average for a car of this vintage and points towards either consistent light use or extended periods of inactivity. There are no anomalous mileage gaps between the four recorded tests, with the odometer reading progressing in a logical sequence through 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025, indicating no clock tampering concerns and a genuine low-use profile. Mechanically, this low mileage figure is a double-edged characteristic for a 2002 Fiesta: while it suggests limited wear on major drivetrain components, the trade-off is typically accelerated deterioration of rubber seals, bushes, and gaskets that benefit from regular use, as well as increased risk of internal corrosion in the braking and fuel systems from standing. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas should reflect both the vehicle's age and the only documented advisory. The cracking rear tyres flagged in 2024 would almost certainly have been replaced by now given the passage of time, but it is worth confirming that the replacements are not of mismatched sizes or inappropriate load ratings, and that the spare wheel is also within legal tread depth and date specification. Beyond the tyres, a 24 year old Fiesta with low mileage warrants a careful examination of the suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs for cracking or perishing caused by dry rot rather than mileage wear, as these components can deteriorate regardless of odometer reading. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed bumps, which would indicate worn lower wishbone bushes or drop links. Underneath the vehicle, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the brake pipes, fuel lines, and the subframe mounting points, as these are areas where a low-mileage, older car can suffer from surface oxidation even without high usage. The brake discs and calipers should be inspected for binding or seized operation, a common issue on cars that have stood for extended periods, and the handbrake mechanism tested for adequate holding force on an incline. The cooling system hoses and the cambelt, which is due for replacement at regular intervals regardless of mileage on a vehicle of this age, should be checked for service history. Finally, given the car's age, a thorough check for oil leaks from the engine and gearbox sump, as well as signs of coolant staining around the water pump and thermostat housing, would round out a sensible pre-purchase evaluation.