2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · LL10 WFP

The 2010 Ford Fiesta passed its most recent MOT on 20 August 2025, although five advisories were noted at that test, including a worn steering column top bearing, two instances of nearside rear tyres worn close to the legal limit, and both rear axle swivel pins and bushes showing slight wear. Looking across the recorded DVSA history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but not improving, with the vehicle having passed five of its last six tests and the most recent two tests showing the same steering column advisory recurring year on year. There is a recurring pattern of suspension component wear appearing over successive tests, including front lower suspension arm ball joint play, rear suspension arm bushes, and corroded rear coil springs, suggesting progressive wear of the chassis and undertray components consistent with a car that has covered a very high odometer reading. The two previous failures, in 2021 for an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint and in 2022 for an inoperative hazard warning switch combined with excessive exhaust emissions, were addressed and the vehicle subsequently passed, indicating that the remedial work carried out has held for the respective annual cycles. The recorded mileage of 184,741 miles on a vehicle now approximately sixteen years old equates to an average of around 11,500 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and class, but the absolute figure is high and has clear mechanical implications. With mileage accumulated steadily and consistently rather than through long periods of standing, the engine, transmission, clutch, brakes, steering, and suspension have all experienced sustained real-world use, meaning that consumable wear, drivetrain fatigue, and corrosion to underbody components should all be expected. However, the MOT history does not show any obvious gaps or extended periods of non-use, so the risks associated with calendar-based degradation, such as seized calipers, perished rubber, and oxidised brake fluid from standing, are likely lower than they would otherwise be for a low-mileage example. The high overall odometer reading does, however, raise the probability of more significant wear items approaching the end of their service life, including the clutch, dual-mass flywheel if diesel, drive belts, water pump, and the exhaust system given that one test flagged excessive smoke emissions. For a prospective buyer, the steering column top bearing advisory that has now appeared at three consecutive tests warrants particular attention, as continued deterioration of this component can lead to a noticeable rattle through the steering wheel and looseness in the upper column area, especially over rougher road surfaces. The advisories relating to rear axle swivel pins and bushes, rear suspension arm pin or bush wear, and corroded rear coil springs are all interconnected and consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage, and on a test drive you should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, as well as observing whether the rear end feels unsettled over undulating tarmac. The nearside rear tyres flagged as worn close to the legal limit in 2025, together with the offside front inner tyre advisory in 2024, suggest that edge wear may be an issue, so check for uneven shoulder wear across all four tyres as this can indicate misalignment, worn bushes, or suspension geometry issues, and ensure the replacements fitted are of matching specification. Additionally, given the 2022 MOT failure for excessive exhaust smoke, it would be prudent to check for any bluish smoke on start-up or under acceleration, which could indicate piston ring or valve guide wear, and to inspect the condition of the catalyst and exhaust system generally for corrosion and blowing joints. Beyond the advisories recorded on the MOT history, a thorough physical inspection is strongly recommended given the age and very high mileage of this Fiesta. Check all coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil for condition and age, as the MOT does not assess fluid degradation, and confirm that the cambelt or timing chain service interval has been observed according to Ford's schedule, along with evidence of regular oil and filter changes through service history stamps. Inspect the inner and outer sills, wheel arches, subframe, and rear axle beam for corrosion, as this is a known weakness area on Fiesta models of this generation, and pay close attention to brake discs for lipping and calipers for smooth operation given that any binding will cause uneven pad wear and pulling under braking. The 12 volt battery should be load tested as batteries of this age commonly fail without warning, and verify that all warning lamps, lighting including stop lamps as flagged in the 2024 failure, and the hazard switch all function correctly. Finally, carry out a cold-start test to listen for any timing chain rattle, and during the road test ensure that the clutch operates smoothly without slipping, the gearbox selects cleanly without crunching, and there are no vibrations through the steering or brake pedal which could indicate worn front discs, warped hub assemblies, or tracking issues.