2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LR60 MFN

The most recent MOT inspection for this 2010 Ford Fiesta resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, following a failure in September 2025 related to lighting issues, specifically a non-functional nearside position lamp and incorrect indicator colours. When evaluating the overall maintenance trend, the vehicle appears to be in a period of relative stability, having moved from a period of significant advisories and dangerous failures in previous years to a clean record in the most recent tests. While the 2021 failure was severe due to structural tyre damage, the recent absence of defects suggests that the immediate mechanical and safety-critical issues identified in the past have been addressed, though the history indicates a pattern of reactive rather than strictly preventative maintenance. With a recorded mileage of 67,031 over sixteen years, this vehicle has averaged approximately 4,189 miles per year, which is significantly lower than the UK national average. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the engine, gearbox, and drivetrain, it also suggests the vehicle has spent considerable periods stationary or has been used only for very short, infrequent trips. Such usage profiles can lead to specific mechanical vulnerabilities that are not captured by mileage alone. You should be aware that low annual usage often results in more age-related degradation than mechanical wear, meaning components may fail due to time and environmental exposure rather than distance travelled. Given the history of brake advisories in 2023 regarding thin pads and pitted or scored discs, it is essential to inspect the braking system thoroughly. During your test drive, listen for any grinding noises when applying the brakes or a pulsating sensation through the brake pedal, which could indicate warped discs or uneven pad wear. Although the 2023 advisories appear to have been rectified, you should visually inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or scoring and check that the calipers are not binding, which can happen when a car is driven infrequently. Additionally, the 2021 dangerous failure for tyre structural separation highlights the importance of a very close inspection of the tyre sidewalls. Even if the tread depth is sufficient, look for any signs of perishing, cracking, or bulging, as rubber degrades over time regardless of how many miles the vehicle has covered. Because this vehicle has likely experienced long periods of standing, you should perform several age-related checks that go beyond the MOT certificate. Inspect all rubber components, such as suspension bushes, engine mounts, and coolant hoses, for signs of cracking or hardening. Check the battery health, as low-usage vehicles often suffer from slow discharge or sulphation, which can lead to sudden starting issues. It is also advisable to verify the service history to ensure that fluids, such as engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant, have been changed on a calendar basis rather than just by mileage, as these fluids degrade and absorb moisture over time. Finally, check for any signs of fluid leaks or corrosion on the underside of the chassis, which can occur when a vehicle is not regularly driven to clear out condensation and moisture.