2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LM60 FGA

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 August 2025 resulted in a Pass, although the vehicle was failed the day prior on 27 August 2025 due to an offside front tyre with ply or cords exposed, a defect categorised as Dangerous. This single dangerous failure was remedied to allow the subsequent Pass the next day, but the cumulative advisory history reveals a pattern of gradual mechanical and structural decline rather than stable maintenance. Recurring advisories over successive tests point to a non-excessive oil leak, progressive corrosion of the front sub-frame, inner sills and rear axle, pitted and scored front brake discs, and in 2024 both rear coil springs exhibiting corrosion. Earlier in 2022, both rear axle swivel pins and bushes were recorded as excessively worn, a Major defect at that time. Taken as a whole, the trend is one of an ageing vehicle accumulating wear-related advisories with each annual test, particularly around corrosion, braking components and suspension items, which warrants careful evaluation by any prospective purchaser. The recorded mileage of 147,455 miles over a sixteen-year service life equates to roughly 9,216 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a Fiesta of this vintage. The MOT record shows no unusual gaps or sudden mileage jumps between tests, indicating consistent operation rather than long periods of standing or excessive high-mileage accumulation. Nevertheless, at this cumulative mileage a number of major mechanical assemblies will have reached or surpassed their expected service life, including clutches, timing belt or chains depending on variant, suspension bushes, wheel bearings and exhaust components. Even though the annual mileage appears average, sixteen years of cumulative wear means that age-related degradation such as rubber perishing, fluid degradation and corrosion should be considered equally important as odometer reading when judging overall condition. Given the recurring advisories concerning the front sub-frame and inner sills, this Fiesta should be placed on a lift and the structural areas physically inspected for advanced corrosion, paying particular attention to mounting points, jacking points and the rear axle beam, as surface corrosion visible to the tester may mask more penetrating rust. The advisories on the front brake discs being pitted and scored suggest that a test drive should include several firm stops from higher speed to detect any brake shudder or vibration through the pedal, and the discs should be measured for remaining thickness, as pitted surfaces will continue to wear pads unevenly and may soon require machining or replacement. The previously recorded split CV boot on the nearside front driveshaft, if not already renewed with a recon joint, should be inspected for fresh grease contamination around the joint and listened for clicking or whining noises on full-lock steering. The advisories regarding worn rear coil springs and the earlier failure on both rear swivel pins and bushes indicate that the rear suspension may now exhibit clonking over uneven surfaces, poor wheel alignment or uneven rear tyre wear, so a careful listen over speed bumps and during cornering is essential. Beyond the recorded defects, several age-related items merit hands-on verification prior to purchase. Tyres should be examined for sidewall cracking and perishing regardless of tread depth, as sixteen-year-old rubber compounds harden and lose grip even on lightly used vehicles. The 12V battery is almost certainly due for renewal and load-tested, and the brake fluid, coolant and gearbox or manual transmission oil should be confirmed as recently serviced, since calendar-age degradation of fluids is a common cause of component failure in older vehicles. The lower steering column universal joint advisory suggests slight wear, so check for any knocking or looseness when turning the wheel from lock to lock with the engine running. Surface corrosion on inner sills and rear axle is consistent with a UK-operated Fiesta of this age and mileage, but prospective buyers should ensure that corrosion has not penetrated load-bearing areas. Finally, verify the service book stamps or digital history to confirm regular oil and filter changes, as consistent servicing is the most reliable indicator of long-term mechanical durability in a vehicle approaching the end of its typical economic life.