2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · LS04 ULP

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 February 2025 resulted in a Pass, although it was accompanied by two advisories that warrant close attention. The first advisory noted that the offside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, while the second recorded that both rear axle bushes were worn. These same advisories were also raised on the same date when the vehicle initially failed the test, the failure itself being due to an ineffective offside windscreen wiper, a straightforward repair typically involving a wiper blade or linkage. Importantly, the earlier test in February 2024 also recorded advisory items relating to the rear axle area, specifically noting slightly worn swivel pins and bushes, alongside an oil leak described as not excessive. This pattern suggests a slow but discernible deterioration in rear suspension components, which is entirely consistent with a vehicle of this age, and it indicates that while the car is fundamentally roadworthy, the rear axle assembly is approaching a point at which further attention or replacement may be required. Overall, the maintenance trend appears stable rather than worsening, with no structural or safety-critical failures recorded across the documented history, but a prospective buyer should treat the rear suspension advisories as an early warning of forthcoming work. The recorded mileage of 114,685 miles across approximately 22 years equates to an annual average of around 5,200 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this vintage. Such restrained usage is often associated with short urban journeys, light weekend use, or extended periods of standing idle, all of which carry their own mechanical implications. A history of low annual mileage typically means that wear-related components such as the clutch, gearbox and engine internals are likely to be in better condition than the odometer reading alone might suggest, but it also raises the likelihood of issues stemming from inactivity. There are no glaring inconsistencies in the recorded mileages between tests, and the gaps between examinations are consistent with a vehicle that has been used sparingly but consistently, with no sudden jumps or anomalous readings that would warrant further investigation. Given the age of this Fiesta and its low-mileage profile, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the conditions that arise from prolonged standing rather than active wear. The brake discs and calipers are especially susceptible to corrosion when a vehicle is used infrequently, and seized or binding calipers are a common finding on cars of this age. During a test drive, listen for any scraping, grinding or pulsation through the brake pedal, and verify that the vehicle pulls up in a straight line without pulling to one side. The 12-volt battery should be tested for its state of charge and cranking performance, as batteries typically require replacement every four to six years regardless of mileage, and a 2004 vehicle is well beyond this interval. Coolant and brake fluid are time-serviced items that degrade through moisture absorption and chemical breakdown, so confirm that these have been renewed within their recommended intervals rather than purely on a mileage basis. The engine oil and filter should also be checked, particularly in light of the advisory noting an oil leak, which may have worsened since the 2024 test and could indicate ageing seals or gaskets that will require attention. With regard to the advisories specifically raised, the worn rear axle bushes and swivel pins merit a physical inspection prior to purchase. With the vehicle unladen, rock each rear wheel laterally at the top and bottom to detect any play in the bushings, and listen for clonking or knocking noises when travelling over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or when load is transferred during cornering. Uneven or accelerated wear on the rear tyres, particularly on the inner or outer edges, can also be indicative of deteriorated suspension bushes allowing altered wheel geometry. The offside front tyre flagged in the 2025 test will almost certainly have been replaced by now, but the replacement should be inspected for correct fitting and matching specifications. Finally, given the car's age, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion, check all fluid levels and their condition, verify the service book stamps to confirm timely maintenance has been carried out, and examine the bodywork and underside for any structural corrosion, particularly around the wheel arches, sills and subframe mounting points, as these are common failure areas for vehicles of this era and can significantly affect both roadworthiness and long-term viability.