2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · LA08 ABA

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of structural degradation and reactive repairs. While the latest test in February 2026 at 64,327 miles showed no defects, this followed a significant failure just six days prior. That failure highlighted multiple critical issues, including structural corrosion on the rear outer sill, a major exhaust leak, and multiple safety-critical tyre failures. The pattern suggests that the owner only addresses faults when strictly necessary to pass the MOT test, rather than performing proactive preventative maintenance. At 18 years old, the Fiesta has covered 64,327 miles, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year. This low-usage profile often results in vehicles sitting for long periods, which can accelerate internal corrosion and rubber component failure. There is a notable two-year gap in records between July 2019 and January 2021, during which the car traveled only 4,062 miles. The recent history shows a consistent increase of roughly 4,000 miles per annum, indicating the vehicle is now in more regular use despite the low total lifetime mileage. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the sills and suspension mounting points. The tester has repeatedly flagged excessive corrosion on the rear outer sills reducing structural strength across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests. Although the car passed the most recent test, this type of structural rot is progressive and will eventually lead to a failure. The exhaust system should also be checked for further leaks following the major failure in early 2026. The suspension system and tyre condition require close attention. The record shows multiple failures due to insufficient tread depth and structural tyre tears in 2023 and 2026, suggesting basic consumable upkeep is neglected. The shock absorber leak noted in 2025 and the rough wheel bearing in 2024 indicate that mechanical components are aging. Given the age of the vehicle and the structural issues, the integrity of the chassis is the primary risk factor for long-term roadworthiness.