2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LR07 YPM

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT in July 2023, though this followed a failure involving a leaking rear shock absorber and washer system faults. The overall maintenance trend suggests a vehicle that is beginning to show its age, with a shift from clean passes in the mid-2010s to a pattern of fluid leaks and corrosion-related advisories in recent years. While the critical failures have been addressed to achieve a pass, the recurring nature of minor leaks indicates a need for more proactive mechanical attention to prevent further degradation. With a recorded mileage of 102,846 miles over nineteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 5,413 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average, suggesting the car has spent periods of time stationary or has been used for short, local journeys. While low mileage reduces wear on the engine and gearbox, it often introduces specific risks such as the perishing of rubber components, the accumulation of moisture in the exhaust system, and the potential for brake calipers to seize or discs to corrode due to lack of regular use. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the remaining advisories from the last test. The reported power steering rack leak and the previous engine oil leak are points of concern; during a test drive, listen for any whining or groaning from the steering pump and check the ground beneath the vehicle for fresh fluid deposits. The deteriorated exhaust flexi-pipe is a common failure point on this model and may manifest as a loud rasping sound or a noticeable vibration through the chassis under acceleration. If the flexi-pipe fails completely, it will lead to an immediate MOT failure due to exhaust emissions or noise. Given the vehicle's age and low annual usage, a thorough physical inspection of the rubber consumables is essential. Check the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as tyres often age out before they wear out. Inspect the brake pedal feel for any sponginess and check the inner wheel arches for signs of corrosion, particularly around the rear brake pipes where a major failure was previously recorded. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that oil and coolant have been changed based on time intervals rather than mileage alone, as degraded fluids can lead to internal engine sludge and premature component failure.