2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · LD09 TKA

The most recent DVSA examination on 25 November 2025 resulted in a pass, although three advisories were issued which warrant close attention from any prospective buyer. The offside front track rod end ball joint was noted with slight play, while both rear axle swivel pins and their associated bushes were recorded as slightly worn on the nearside and offside. Earlier advisories from 2022 included imbalanced rear braking and front tyres worn close to the legal limit on their inner edges, with lower suspension arm ball joint failures recorded on both sides in 2022 and 2023. Taken in sequence, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable but with a recurring pattern of front suspension wear, particularly to the lower arm joints, and persistent rear axle swivel pin deterioration, suggesting these areas should be considered ongoing maintenance items rather than isolated incidents. The fact that the vehicle has passed three consecutive tests since the 2023 ball joint replacement indicates a degree of remedial action, though the newer advisories on track rod ends and swivel pins indicate progressive wear that has not yet reached failure threshold. Recorded mileage of 116,931 miles over approximately seventeen years equates to an annual average of around 6,878 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record that would suggest long periods of standing, although the annualised figure indicates modest rather than intensive use. This pattern tends to produce a balanced wear profile, where consumables such as brake pads, tyres, and clutch components are replaced at fairly predictable intervals, but age-related deterioration of rubber and polymer components becomes increasingly relevant. Buyers should bear in mind that even modest mileage cannot prevent calendar-based degradation of items such as coolant, brake fluid, and the 12 volt battery. The recurring advisories on the front suspension require particular attention. The lower suspension arm ball joints have now failed on both sides over the 2022 and 2023 tests, and the most recent advisory regarding slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint suggests similar wear may be developing. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end, particularly over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and when turning into car parks or kerbs. Excessively worn ball joints typically produce audible impacts, vague or imprecise steering, and uneven tyre wear particularly on the inner or outer edges, which is consistent with the inner edge tyre wear advisories recorded in 2022. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes being slightly worn on both sides is also consistent with the age of the vehicle and the pattern of inner-edge front tyre wear, as worn rear bushings can subtly alter tracking and accelerate front tyre consumption. A physical inspection should include manually checking the front wheels for lateral play with the vehicle raised, and examining all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear. Given the mileage is modest but the vehicle is now seventeen years old, several age-related items warrant physical inspection regardless of the MOT outcome. Tyres fitted to a low-mileage vehicle of this age are often original or several years old and should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, as rubber degrades with time even when tread depth remains adequate. The brake discs and calipers may show corrosion or surface pitting from light use combined with standing periods, and the handbrake mechanism may have seized partially from underuse. The 12 volt battery is well beyond its typical service life and should be load tested, while engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual gearbox oil if applicable should be considered for replacement on a calendar basis, typically every two to five years depending on specification. The persistent rear wheel distortion advisories across multiple tests suggest the wheels may have been kerbed at some point and may continue to cause slow tyre pressure loss or imbalance, so all four wheels should be inspected for cracks, buckles, and balancing weights. Finally, verify that the 2023 lower suspension arm repair was carried out with quality components and confirm the service book shows regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, as consistent servicing history is the best indicator of how this Fiesta has been maintained between MOT examinations.