2005 Ford Fiesta 2.0L Petrol · LD55 PRX

The most recent DVSA examination on 16 July 2024 resulted in a pass, although the previous attempt just four days earlier on 12 July 2024 saw a fail with a dangerous defect recorded for an offside rear brake pipe leaking on the hydraulic braking system, accompanied by a major defect for brake performance unable to be tested and a further major for a nearside front brake hose excessively chafed. Such brake hydraulic defects in close succession indicate that the vehicle was almost certainly repaired and re-presented within days, which is acceptable, but the nature of the original failure a weeping brake pipe is a known corrosion and age related concern on vehicles of this vintage, particularly those that have seen sustained urban use. Beyond the brake items, the recurring advisory across both the failed and subsequent passed test, exhaust emits blue smoke during acceleration, is a clear indicator of oil being burned under load, most commonly due to worn valve stem oil seals or piston ring wear in a higher mileage petrol engine, and this warrants close attention as the underlying condition will almost certainly deteriorate with continued use. The earlier history from 2023 also shows a failed test with majors for a non-functioning nearside parking brake, an incorrectly aimed headlamp, and a missing or compromised offside steering rack gaiter, alongside advisories for low engine oil and deterioration of a gearbox mount. Taken in aggregate, the trend is not a picture of stable maintenance; it shows escalating wear items across the braking, steering, and engine sealing systems, suggesting a vehicle that requires proactive inspection rather than a presumption of fitness. The recorded mileage of 130,303 miles over twenty one years equates to an average of roughly 6,200 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this era and points to consistent if not heavy use. The MOT record itself does not display the individual odometer readings at each test, so it is not possible to confirm precisely how the mileage has accumulated, but the spread of tests between 2019 and 2024 suggests a roughly even progression rather than long periods of standing followed by sudden use. This pattern of steady mileage is mechanically favourable compared to very low annual use, as components such as the brakes, tyres, clutch, and cooling system will have been regularly worked. However, the age of the vehicle now means that even with average mileage, calendar related degradation of rubber, plastics, and electrical components must be considered alongside the usual wear items, and the recorded defects already discussed confirm that age related deterioration is actively taking hold on this particular example. For a prospective buyer, the brake hydraulic system should be the foremost area of physical inspection. Given the recent dangerous defect for a leaking rear brake pipe and the recurring minor for a twisted and chafed nearside front brake hose, all flexible hoses and steel brake lines particularly along the underside and rear axle should be examined for corrosion, cracking, bulges, and weeping at joints. A test drive should focus on the feel of the brake pedal, ensuring it is firm and not spongy, and that the vehicle pulls up straight without any pulling to one side, which could indicate a seized or binding caliper. With the persistent blue smoke advisory, a cold start observation is highly recommended, as visible blue smoke on startup that diminishes as the engine warms is characteristic of valve stem oil seals, whereas smoke that persists or worsens under load suggests more significant piston ring wear. The engine oil level and condition should be checked via the dipstick, and the coolant and brake fluid reservoirs inspected for level and clarity, with any signs of mayonnaise type residue under the oil cap pointing to potential head gasket concerns given the engine oil advisory noted in 2023. Further inspection should address the advisories recorded for handbrake travel and handbrake efficiency, the deteriorated gearbox mount, and the missing steering rack gaiter. The handbrake lever should travel close to its full ratchet range before engaging, and on a test drive the vehicle should hold on a modest incline without rolling; if the ratchet is excessively long or the lever fails to hold, the rear brake mechanism may require adjustment or shoe replacement. A worn gearbox mount can present as a slight vibration or clunk on take-off and during changes between drive and reverse, and the supporting area beneath the battery tray and gearbox should be visually checked for perished or collapsed rubber. Because the offside steering rack gaiter was flagged as missing or compromised, the steering rack itself should be inspected for contamination and any signs of fluid leakage, and the joint between the rack and the track rod end examined for play by rocking the front wheel with the steering off centre. Given the age of the vehicle, particular attention should also be paid to the condition of the tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing even if tread depth remains adequate, the 12 volt battery for holding charge and clean secure terminals, the condition of the coolant and brake fluid in terms of age related degradation, and the underside of the vehicle for any emerging structural or floorpan corrosion, especially around the wheel arches, sills, and rear subframe mounting points. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified independent technician is strongly advised, with a compression test or at minimum a borescope examination of the cylinders being prudent given the recurring blue smoke advisory.