2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · LD04 DAU

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that has shifted from manageable wear to more frequent and serious mechanical failures. While the most recent test on 4 June 2026 at 118,955 miles resulted in a pass, this followed a significant failure just two weeks prior on 21 May 2026. The May 2026 failure was extensive, involving a rough offside front wheel bearing, a defective nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover, and multiple tyre defects. The recurring nature of these issues suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to maintenance, where components are only addressed when they reach a point of failure. The mileage profile indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,400 miles per year over its 22-year lifespan. This low usage is evident in the progression from 83,351 miles in 2015 to 118,955 miles in 2026. However, the low mileage has not prevented age-related deterioration. The record shows a consistent pattern of rubber components perishing and metal parts corroding, which is typical for a vehicle that may spend significant periods stationary. The gap between the 2021 and 2023 tests shows a steady climb in mileage, but the recent cluster of failures in 2025 and 2026 suggests the vehicle is currently experiencing a period of heightened mechanical instability. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The history shows persistent issues with rear shock absorbers leaking fluid, as seen in the May 2025 failure, and recurring corrosion on the rear brake pipes. The structural integrity of the chassis and rear beam axle bushes should be closely examined, as corrosion has been a noted advisory since at least 2015. Furthermore, the frequent reports of exhaust leaks and injector seal issues, specifically the major leak noted in May 2025, indicate that the exhaust system and engine seals require careful scrutiny to ensure no ongoing emissions or structural failures exist. Finally, the condition of the tyres and wheel bearings warrants attention. The vehicle has a history of tyres being worn to the legal limit or suffering from sidewall cracking and perishing, with multiple advisories recorded between 2018 and 2026. Given the recent failure of the offside front wheel bearing in May 2026, the buyer should check for any residual noise or vibration from the drivetrain and wheel assemblies. The recurring presence of oil leaks from the gearbox and engine since 2019 also necessitates a check for significant fluid loss or contamination.