2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · LJ59 FRO

The most recent MOT test passed on 07 July 2026, but the overall maintenance trend is worsening, moving from a clean record in 2024 to multiple failures and dangerous defects in 2025 and 2026. The vehicle has recently been flagged with dangerous defects regarding exposed tyre cords, which indicates that safety-critical items are being addressed only when they reach the point of failure rather than through proactive maintenance. While the vehicle is currently compliant, the recurring nature of these issues suggests a lack of consistent upkeep that could lead to further mechanical or safety issues in the near future. The recorded mileage of 91,838 miles over 17 years represents an average of approximately 5,402 miles per year, which is low for a vehicle of this age. While this lower mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, it also suggests the vehicle may have spent significant time standing or has been used primarily for short, infrequent trips. Such usage profiles often lead to age-related deterioration that is not strictly mileage-dependent, such as the perishing of rubber components, fluid degradation, and increased corrosion due to a lack of regular operation and heat cycles. A significant concern for a prospective buyer is the persistent advisory regarding corrosion on the exhaust system and all four coil springs. You should inspect the underside of the vehicle for heavy scale or thinning of the exhaust metal and check the coil springs for significant surface rust or signs of fracturing. During a test drive, listen carefully for any metallic clunking, knocking, or creaking sounds when navigating uneven surfaces, as corroded springs can fail suddenly and affect the vehicle's handling. Additionally, given the history of tyre damage and dangerous failures, you must thoroughly inspect all tyres for sidewall cracking, perishing, or cuts, and check for uneven wear which could indicate underlying suspension or alignment faults. Furthermore, because of the low annual mileage, it is vital to check for signs of binding calipers or excessive corrosion on the brake discs, which can occur when the brakes are not used frequently enough to clear surface oxidation. You should verify the service history to ensure that essential fluids, such as brake fluid and coolant, have been replaced according to time-based intervals rather than just mileage. Finally, confirm that the recent issues with the lighting, registration plate, and the insecure central heatshield have been fully rectified to ensure the vehicle is truly roadworthy and free from immediate nuisance defects.