2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LR60 LUH

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 September 2025 resulted in a Pass, although two advisories were recorded for slight damage to the nearside front and rear tyres. Looking back over the available history, the vehicle has passed four of its last six tests, with two failures occurring in 2022 and 2023 that were both rectified at the same visit. The 2022 failure involved washer jet alignment, an offside stop lamp defect, and a tyre worn close to the legal limit, while the 2023 failure was for a dangerous defect concerning the nearside rear stop lamp. The fact that the vehicle has subsequently passed two consecutive tests without significant advisories other than tyre condition suggests the maintenance trend is now broadly stable, though the recurring tyre advisories across multiple years do point to an owner who may be running tyres closer to the end of their service life than is ideal. With approximately 89,141 miles recorded on a 2010 vehicle, the annual usage works out at roughly 5,571 miles per year, which is well below the average for a car of this age. Such low mileage is not inherently a cause for concern, but it frequently indicates that the vehicle has either been used predominantly for short urban journeys or has spent extended periods standing between uses. Short trips are particularly hard on cold-start components, exhaust catalysts, and oil, as the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature, while prolonged standing can lead to brake disc corrosion, seized or binding calipers, perishing of rubber components, and 12 volt battery degradation. There are no large unexplained gaps in the recorded mileage from the MOT odometer readings, which is reassuring, but the overall low accumulation means that age-related deterioration is likely to be a greater factor than wear from use. Given the tyre advisories that have appeared on several consecutive tests, the nearside front and rear tyres should be the first items for a prospective buyer to examine. Slight damage and cracking on the nearside pair, repeated in 2024 and 2025, may indicate kerbing damage or, more concerning, uneven wear that could be related to geometry or suspension component wear. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed humps and rough roads, and pay particular attention to the steering for any pulling to one side, vibration through the wheel, or uneven tyre wear patterns when the wheels are inspected. It would also be prudent to check the offside front suspension arm ball joint that was noted with slight play in 2020, as such components can progress over time, and any worsening would typically manifest as a knocking noise on full lock or over uneven surfaces. In addition to the specific items above, the age and low mileage profile of this Fiesta warrant a thorough check of time-serviced items that do not depend on the odometer. Brake discs are likely to show surface corrosion from standing, and the caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be inspected for binding or seizure. The 12 volt battery is likely to be several years old and worth load-testing, as low-mileage cars with short journeys are particularly prone to premature battery failure. Brake fluid, coolant, and the timing belt or cam belt interval should be verified against the service schedule, as these items degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage. Finally, confirm the service book stamps and ask for any history of stop lamp bulb replacements, given the recurring lighting defects on the record, as this would suggest the wiring and bulb holders warrant a closer look before purchase.