2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · KG02 AAG

The most recent DVSA examination on 11 October 2025 returned a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive indicator. However, when evaluating the broader trend, the maintenance picture appears to have stabilised rather than dramatically improved, given that the 2024 test cycle produced both a dangerous failure for an excessively worn offside rear tyre and a major defect for an inoperative offside front position lamp. The dangerous tyre tread depth below 1.6mm is a particularly serious finding, suggesting that prior inspection discipline may have lapsed before corrective rectification. The 2023 and 2022 tests passed with multiple advisories relating to steering components, brake wear, and suspension wear items, indicating a gradual accumulation of consumable wear consistent with a higher-mileage vehicle of this age. Overall, the pattern suggests the vehicle has been maintained to a passing standard but with notable deferred items along the way, warranting careful inspection of the areas previously flagged. With 104,123 miles recorded over approximately 16 years, the Fiesta averages around 6,508 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this vintage and represents steady, moderate usage rather than either long-term standing or aggressive high-mileage driving. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT record that would suggest extended periods off-road, nor is there evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that would disproportionately stress the drivetrain. This usage profile means wear should be reasonably progressive across mechanical components, but given the Fiesta's age and mileage, age-related degradation of rubber, plastic, and electrical components is still a significant consideration regardless of the relatively modest annual mileage. The recurring advisories for steering and braking components deserve close attention. The track rod end ball joint play noted in 2023 and steering rack inner joint play noted in 2022 suggest progressive wear in the front steering assembly, which on a test drive would manifest as imprecise steering, wandering at speed, or clonking noises over uneven surfaces. The offside front wheel bearing has been flagged as slightly noisy across multiple tests, indicating deterioration that may progress to a more pronounced hum or drone that changes with cornering. Front brake pad wear advisories in 2023 suggest pads may now be approaching replacement again, and during inspection the buyer should examine the discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion, particularly given that Fiesta front calipers are known to seize, leading to uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes flagged in 2022 are a known Fiesta weakness and should be checked for cracking or excessive movement when the vehicle is rocked. Beyond the recorded defects, several age and mileage-related concerns warrant physical verification. The 2024 advisories for front sub-frame corrosion and offside front coil spring corrosion indicate early structural and suspension degradation that may have progressed over the intervening months, so a thorough underside inspection for advanced corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, jacking points, and the exhaust system, is strongly advised. The fuel pipe corrosion advisory is also significant given the increased safety implications of corroded fuel lines and the typical sixteen-year deterioration of underbody fuel components. Given the calendar age, the buyer should inspect all tyres, including the spare, for sidewall cracking and perishing regardless of tread depth, as rubber compounds degrade with time. The oil leak noted in 2024 should be inspected for progression by examining the sump, cam cover gasket, and lower engine areas for fresh weepage. Time-based servicing items are equally important, including verification of the cambelt replacement history as the engine approaches or exceeds its recommended interval, brake fluid renewal, coolant condition, and the state of the 12 volt battery, which on a vehicle of this age frequently requires replacement due to reduced cranking performance and potential electrical gremlins.