2002 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · LY02 AFY

This 2002 Ford Fiesta presents a roadworthiness profile dominated entirely by lighting-related defects, with four of the recorded defects specifically concerning headlamp aim, positioning, and lens condition. The most recent test on 20 August 2026 produced a pass alongside an advisory for a product film on the offside front headlamp lens, but on the same date a separate test was failed under the dangerous category for the offside front headlamp aim being too low. An earlier identical pattern appeared on 20 August 2024, where a pass was accompanied by a dangerous failure for the nearside front headlamp being incorrectly positioned. The intervening 2025 test returned a clean pass with no advisories. The overall trend shows no structural, braking, or suspension concerns in the recorded history, but the repetition of headlamp-related issues across multiple years suggests a recurring alignment or lens degradation problem rather than an isolated event, and any prospective buyer should expect this to be a recurring maintenance point. The recorded mileage of 77,405 against an age of approximately 24 years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 3,225 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this vintage. The MOT record shows annual testing continuity from 2024 onwards with no extended gaps, indicating the vehicle has remained in active use rather than laid up for prolonged periods. This low annual mileage suggests lighter mechanical wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox internals, and engine bearings, but it also raises the well-documented concerns associated with limited-use vehicles, including potential stiffness in suspension bushes and ball joints, brake disc corrosion from infrequent heavy braking, and deterioration of rubber components through age rather than wear. The continuity of annual testing does at least confirm the vehicle has been presented for inspection regularly, allowing any developing deterioration to be flagged in the record. For a test drive, particular attention should be paid to the headlamp condition and alignment, given the documented history. Both front lamps should be inspected in person for lens hazing, internal moisture, or product film residue, as the advisory indicates the offside lamp already has surface contamination that may worsen. The beam pattern should be checked against a flat wall at night to confirm both lamps produce a symmetrical, level cutoff line and are not dipping below the horizontal, which would replicate the dangerous failure recorded in 2026. The lamp mounting brackets and adjuster screws should be examined for stripped threads or play, as incorrect positioning can result from worn adjusters rather than merely an alignment error. Beyond the lighting concerns, the test drive should include a thorough check of the suspension and braking systems, which carry no recorded advisories but warrant scrutiny given the age and low mileage. Listen for clonking or knocking over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which can indicate stiff or perished suspension bushes, coil springs, or anti-roll bar drop links. The brake pedal should feel firm without excessive travel or judder under firm application, and any vibration through the steering wheel during braking would suggest corroded or warped front brake discs, a common issue on low-mileage vehicles. Inspect the underside of the vehicle and the wheel arches for corrosion on brake pipes, subframe mounting points, and structural members, areas of known vulnerability on early-2000s Fiestas that would not necessarily appear in the MOT record if the corrosion has not yet reached the threshold for advisory reporting.