2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · LA04 KWP

The 2004 Ford Fiesta presents a stable roadworthiness record in its most recent MOT history, with the July 2025 test at 68,305 miles showing no defects—an outcome mirrored in the June 2024 pass at 59,217 miles. The two consecutive fails in June 2024 and 2023 at identical mileages (59,215 and 44,190) are unusual, as they suggest administrative errors rather than mechanical issues, given the absence of recorded defects in either instance. This clean slate in recent tests implies no major structural or safety-critical failures, though the repeated fails raise questions about testing consistency. The vehicle has clearly passed all critical checks for emissions, brakes, steering, and suspension in the past year, but the lack of advisories or defects means there’s no historical data to gauge wear on components like coil springs, brake discs, or suspension bushes. The Fiesta’s mileage of 68,305 over 22 years—averaging just 3,105 miles annually—is exceptionally low for its age, indicating either minimal use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The gap between the 2023 and 2024 tests (around 15,000 miles in a year) suggests a phase of heavier use, though still modest by modern standards. The identical mileage figures for the two fails in June 2023 and 2024 (44,190 and 59,215) further imply the car may have sat unused for extended periods, potentially exacerbating issues like tyre flat-spotting or brake fluid degradation. Without advisories or defects, however, there’s no evidence of neglect—just an irregular usage pattern that could mask hidden wear. For a buyer, the absence of defects in recent tests is reassuring, but the lack of advisories means there’s no prior warning about potential weaknesses. A thorough inspection should focus on suspension components, particularly the rear coil springs and bushes, given their age and the car’s low mileage history—components under light use can still degrade due to corrosion or fatigue. Brakes, including calipers and discs, should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as the MOT record offers no insight into their condition. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and sills, is another priority, given the Fiesta’s age and the possibility of rust developing in areas not routinely inspected. Tyres, while not flagged, warrant close examination for uneven tread wear or dry rot, given the car’s intermittent usage pattern.