2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LD07 YRX

A pattern of recurring headlamp lens and front wiper defects defines the MOT history of this 19-year-old Ford Fiesta, with two outright failures in successive years both involving front headlamp output. The first refusal on 23 March 2024 was triggered by both front headlamps suffering reduced output due to product on the lens, alongside ineffective front wiper clearance, while the earlier March 2023 failure cited seriously defective headlamp lenses on both sides. These were addressed quickly, with the car passing the following day in 2024 and recording a clean test in 2023 prior to the failure event. The most recent test on 20 April 2026 was a pass with advisories only, but the headlamp issue has resurfaced indirectly through advisories on near-side front tyre perishing and a rear nail, suggesting cosmetic and lighting deterioration remains an ongoing concern rather than a fully resolved issue. The 2022 advisory for power steering rack seepage, although minor at the time, is worth monitoring given the age of the vehicle. Annual mileage accumulation of around 7,075 miles is broadly typical for a car of this age, with no extended gaps in testing that would suggest long periods off the road. The records run continuously from 2021 through 2026, indicating consistent light-to-moderate use rather than intermittent storage. With 134,428 miles recorded, consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes will have endured significant wear, even if no specific brake or suspension advisories appear in the file. The repeated cracking and perishing advisories on both front tyres, noted in 2025 and again in 2026, point to age-related rubber degradation accelerated by the relatively modest annual mileage and exposure, rather than rapid tread wear. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front headlamp assemblies on inspection, checking for hazing, condensation, or yellowing of the polycarbonate lenses that would reduce light output, as this defect has caused two failures in three years. The front wiper linkage and blades should be operated to confirm full, even sweep across the windscreen with no stuttering or uncovered arcs. Given the 2022 advisory regarding slight power steering rack seepage, it is worth inspecting the rack and pinion boots for fresh oil residue and turning the steering lock to lock with the engine running to listen for any whining or knocking from the pump. The slightly distorted near-side front and rear road wheels flagged in 2023 should be checked for residual vibration through the steering wheel at speed, and the off-side rear direction indicator lens noted as discoloured in 2021 may still be faded and warrant replacement before the next test. On a road test, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, as worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, and strut top mountings are common wear items at this mileage and age even though they have not yet been flagged in MOT records. Brake feel should be assessed for any pulling to one side under firm application, suggesting binding calipers or unevenly worn pads, and the pedal should be firm without excessive travel. Steering response should remain accurate without vagueness around the straight-ahead, and any fluid drip beneath the front of the car after driving could indicate the earlier rack seepage has progressed. Finally, the front tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing consistent with the recent advisories, as perished rubber is a legal failure once it reaches an excessive stage and replacement of both front tyres may be prudent before the next test.