2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LS57 OWA

A persistent pattern of front‑suspension degradation and brake‑disc wear runs through this Fiesta’s MOT record, with the most recent test in September 2023 still passing but flagging reduced damping and light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber. Earlier failures include a serious fluid leak from the off‑side rear shock, a worn front brake disc deemed “significantly and obviously” worn in 2020, and a series of headlamp and tyre defects that required remedial action. The trend shows recurring wear on suspension components and periodic brake and lighting issues rather than an overall improvement, suggesting that the vehicle’s core chassis and braking systems have been under consistent stress. At 163 467 mi over 19 years the average annual mileage sits around 8 600 mi, a figure that aligns with typical usage for a car of this age. The MOT history is continuous with roughly yearly testing, indicating no prolonged periods of inactivity that might conceal hidden deterioration. However, the cumulative mileage implies that consumables such as shock absorbers, brake discs, tyres and steering hoses are likely approaching the latter stages of their service lives and should be inspected for thickness, leakage and mounting integrity before any long‑term commitment. When assessing the suspension, feel for a soft or uneven response over bumps and listen for any metallic knocking that could signal deteriorating shock absorber internals or worn bushings. Verify that the nearside front shock does not pump excess fluid and that the off‑side rear shock shows no external leaks. Examine the power‑steering pipe for the slight seepage noted in 2022; a loss of steering assist or a whining noise under load would confirm a developing fault. The front brake disc, flagged as severely worn in 2020, should be measured for remaining thickness and inspected for scoring; pulsation or a deep pedal feel on a test drive would indicate that resurfacing or replacement is imminent. Check all external lighting for full operation and correct aim, especially the nearside headlamp which has previously failed both function and alignment. Inspect the tyres for edge‑wear patterns, bulges or sidewall distortions—issues were recorded on both front and off‑side tyres in earlier years—and ensure they meet the legal tread depth. Look for corrosion on the nearside and off‑side rear coil springs, the nearside outer sill and any insecure heat‑shield mounting, as these could progress to structural rust if left untreated. Finally, verify that the registration plates are legible and securely fixed, as deterioration was noted on both plates in 2020. Addressing these specific items will give a clearer picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable state.