2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · LL08 HHD

A pattern of corrosion-related defects, exhaust integrity issues, and tyre wear at the legal edge dominates the recorded roadworthiness history of this 2008 Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 11 May 2022 producing a Pass accompanied by four advisories and a related failure recorded the same day for an inoperative registration plate lamp. Across the six tests documented since 2019, three failures have been logged, including two Dangerous tyre failures in June 2020 for both front tyres exposing ply or cords, a 2021 failure citing a split nearside front inner CV boot, severely corroded offside rear brake pipe, and misaligned headlamp aim, and a 2019 failure for a major exhaust gas leak at the central front section. The recurrence of brake pipe corrosion advisories and defects in both 2019 and 2021 is particularly significant, suggesting a systemic susceptibility to underfloor corrosion that warrants careful physical inspection rather than reliance on advisory status alone. The recorded mileage of 130,851 miles across approximately 18 years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 7,270 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and is consistent with regular mixed-use driving rather than prolonged periods off the road or unusually high long-distance motorway use. No significant gaps in the testing record are evident, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2019 through 2022, indicating the vehicle has been in active service throughout the documented period. At this mileage, wear on suspension components, brake friction material, exhaust mounting points, and drivetrain flexible elements such as CV boots and engine mounts should be expected, and the recorded defects align with these mileage-driven expectations. From a buyer inspection standpoint, particular attention should be directed to the underfloor brake pipework, given that the offside rear pipe was previously deemed excessively corroded and the central pipe was flagged as corroded and grease-covered in 2019. A thorough examination should be carried out with the vehicle raised, looking for surface rust pitting, flaking, or perforation along the full length of the brake lines, particularly at the offside rear where the previous failure occurred. The 2022 advisory for a slightly worn upper shock absorber bush mount bearing at the nearside front should prompt a road test focused on detecting any clonking or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed cushions, alongside visual inspection of the front strut top mounts for any signs of deterioration, excessive play, or corrosion around the mounting plate. The 2021 failure for a split nearside front inner CV boot also warrants a check for any fresh grease contamination around the inner joint and listening for clicking or knocking noises on full lock at low speed, which would indicate renewed boot failure or joint wear. The tyre wear pattern recorded in 2022, with both front tyres worn to 2mm and on the edge, alongside a nail in the nearside front tyre and cracking on the offside rear tyre, suggests that suspension geometry or alignment may be a contributory factor rather than purely age-related wear. A test drive should include attention to any steering pull to either side, uneven steering return, or feathering on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres when inspected. Additionally, given the headlamp aim failures in 2021 on both sides, the operation and alignment of the headlamp units should be verified, as poor adjustment can indicate loose mounting brackets or corroded adjuster mechanisms. The exhaust system, which previously exhibited a major central front leak, should be listened to on start-up from cold for any ticking or hissing noises, and inspected for blue smoke from the tailpipe or any unusual smells that might suggest gasket or catalytic converter deterioration at this mileage.