2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LD07 JYN

A pattern of recurring wiper effectiveness failures and braking component wear stands out across this Fiesta's recorded MOT history, with two separate Major defects for the offside windscreen wiper not clearing the screen effectively logged in 2021 and 2019. The most recent test on 2022-05-31 returned a pass with no defects recorded, but that outcome sits within a broader history that includes one outright fail in 2021 (wiper plus an offside front shock absorber with a serious fluid leak) and another fail in 2019, alongside persistent front brake advisories for fluctuating service brake performance and thinning pads noted across multiple consecutive visits. The 2019 test also recorded a Minor for all direction indicators flashing in excess of 120 times per minute. While the 2022 pass shows a stabilised result at the close of the recorded period, the repeated wipers, shock absorber leak, and ongoing brake wear advisories suggest several components on this vehicle have demanded recurring attention. Mileage recorded at 79,320 against a 2007 registration equates to roughly 4,175 miles per year over the documented life of the car, which is notably low and points to either prolonged periods of limited use or extended stationary spells between tests. The MOT record itself shows testing gaps, including stretches where annual tests are absent, consistent with a vehicle that has not been driven regularly. Mechanically, low annual accumulation on a nineteen year old car can allow certain issues to develop unseen, particularly corrosion to brake pipes, subframe components, and suspension linkages, as well as degradation of brake fluid, cooling system hoses, fuel lines, and rubber seals that would normally be exercised under regular use. Diesel particulate filters, exhaust mountings, and underfloor anti-corrosion treatments can also deteriorate when a vehicle stands for long periods, and these items are not routinely recorded on MOT but warrant direct physical inspection. For a prospective buyer, the offside front shock absorber fluid leak recorded as a Major in 2021 is a critical point to investigate, as shock absorbers on a Mk6 Fiesta of this age commonly leak through corroded seal housings, and a replacement unit fitted just before that test should now be approaching five years of service. Press down firmly on each front corner and release; the car should rebound once and settle rather than continuing to oscillate, and any knocking or clonking over uneven road surfaces would point to worn top mounts, spring seats, or anti-roll bar drop links, all of which are common wear items on this platform. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and rough tarmac, as worn suspension bushes and drop link play are typical at this age and mileage. Inspect the offside front shock for fresh oil misting or residue on the body of the strut, and check that the tyres wear evenly across their tread, as uneven wear often indicates worn suspension geometry components. Given the recurring wiper effectiveness defects, test both wiper arms individually for smooth operation and full sweep coverage, paying particular attention to the offside arm which has failed twice in the recorded period. The persistent front brake advisories, recorded in 2019, 2021 (twice), and as underlying advisories during both failure events, indicate that the front braking system has been a chronic area of attention on this vehicle. On a test drive, apply the brakes firmly from around 40 mph and feel for any judder, vibration, or pulling to one side through the steering wheel, which would suggest warped front discs, a common issue on higher mileage or infrequently driven Fiestas where surface corrosion can cause uneven pad bedding. Listen for any grinding or scraping sounds, and check for a soft or spongy brake pedal that may indicate aged brake fluid or air ingress in the system. Inspect the visible brake pipes and flexible hoses for corrosion, particularly along the underside and behind the wheel arches, as nineteen year old rubber can crack and steel lines can surface rust. The 2021 advisories for offside rear tyre wear close to the legal limit and perishing cracking should also prompt a close inspection of the sidewalls of all four tyres for hairline cracking, as ageing tyres on a low mileage car frequently suffer sidewall deterioration even when tread depth remains acceptable. Finally, the indicator flasher Minor recorded in 2019 should be checked by operating the hazard switch and confirming that all six indicators flash at a steady rate; an excessively fast rate would indicate a failed bulb or compromised earth connection requiring rectification before the next test.