2004 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LS04 EVB

The most recent MOT, dated 4 February 2025, was recorded as a pass but carried an advisory for a slightly damaged or perishing off‑side rear tyre and a minor note about windscreen damage. The same test also flagged a failure of the windscreen wiper for not clearing effectively, which would have required remedial work before the vehicle could be re‑issued a pass certificate. Overall the MOT history shows a generally stable maintenance record: the majority of tests from 2017 to 2022 were clean, with only occasional, isolated advisories for tyre wear and a single rear‑fog‑lamp fault in 2018. The pattern suggests the car has been kept road‑worthy, though the recent tyre advisory indicates a developing issue that needs attention. At 82,746 miles on a 2004 model the average annual mileage works out to roughly 3,800 mi per year, well below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 mi per annum. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of inactivity or very gentle driving, which can be as much a concern as high mileage because age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and battery cells accelerates when a vehicle sits. The modest mileage means consumables such as clutch, gearbox and engine internals are likely to have experienced relatively little mechanical wear, but the calendar age will have taken its toll on components that rely on regular movement and fluid circulation. When you inspect the car, give the off‑side rear tyre a thorough visual and tactile examination. Look for sidewall cracks, dry rot, or any bulges that could indicate structural weakness; measure the tread depth on all four tyres, remembering that the front left tyre was previously noted as close to the legal limit. Replace any tyre that shows perishing or uneven wear, and consider rotating the set if the tread is still adequate. Verify that the windscreen wiper blades make full, firm contact and clear the glass without streaking – replace the blades and check the wiper motor if the blades appear to be working but the glass remains wet. Test the rear fog lamp to ensure it illuminates correctly; a non‑functioning lamp is a simple bulb or fuse issue but should be rectified before the next MOT. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive age‑related check is prudent. Examine the suspension bushes, ball joints and coil springs for any signs of cracking, corrosion or excessive play, listening for clunks over bumps during a short drive. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear and confirm that the pads are not excessively thin; binding calipers can develop if the car has been stationary for long periods. Assess the 12‑volt battery’s state of charge and cranking power, as a battery left idle for years often requires replacement. Finally, check all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and look for any leaks or discoloration, remembering that many fluids degrade after 2‑3 years regardless of mileage and should be refreshed on a calendar basis. A thorough visual inspection of the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the wheel arches and suspension mounting points, will also help you gauge how well the car has been protected from moisture during its long life.