2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · LG10 CKA

The recurring deterioration of the front lower suspension arm ball‑joint dust covers – recorded as severely deteriorated on both nearside and offside at every MOT since 2022 – defines the mechanical narrative of this Fiesta; the pattern suggests progressive wear in the front suspension assembly despite an uninterrupted series of passes, the latest on 21 August 2026 confirming no outright failures but no resolution of that issue. Ancillary advisories for a slightly deteriorated steering‑column flexible coupling and an oil leak noted in 2025 add further nuance, indicating that while the vehicle remains legally roadworthy, its front‑end components have been a consistent focus of attention. At 89 817 miles for a 2010 model the average annual accumulation sits around 5 600 miles, markedly below the typical usage for a car of this age. Such low mileage can translate to reduced wear on consumables such as brakes, tyres and clutch, yet it also raises the possibility of prolonged stationary periods that may foster corrosion, especially in suspension joints and bushings. The MOT record shows no large gaps in testing, with annual examinations since 2018, suggesting the vehicle has been regularly inspected rather than left unattended for extended stretches. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension a thorough tactile and auditory appraisal: with the dust covers in a severely deteriorated state, the underlying ball joints may be approaching the end of their service life. On a low‑speed drive over uneven road surfaces, listen for clunking or knocking noises from either wheel, feel for any looseness in the steering response, and check for uneven tyre wear that could betray misalignment. The oil leak advisory from 2025 warrants a visual inspection of the engine bay for fresh oil traces around the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil pan, and a test for any oil on the under‑tray that could indicate a developing seal failure. Equally, the slightly deteriorated steering‑column flexible coupling noted in 2024 should be examined for play or binding when the wheel is turned from lock to lock, and the off‑side rear tyre flagged as slightly damaged in 2025 must be measured for tread depth and sidewall integrity. While the wiper blades have been recorded as defective in several years, they are inexpensive to replace and should be refreshed before purchase. Overall, the car’s roadworthiness is affirmed by recent MOT passes, but the persistent front‑suspension dust‑cover wear and the isolated oil‑leak advisory merit focused inspection and, if necessary, pre‑emptive component replacement to avoid imminent failure.