2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MF09 KCE

The latest official DVSA MOT test on 19 January 2026 resulted in a fail with two PRS (present and rectified at station) defects, immediately followed by a pass on the same date once the washer bottle was topped up and the offside rear position lamp rectified. These were minor, easily corrected items rather than fundamental mechanical or structural failures, and a passing certificate was issued. Looking at the broader DVSA history over the past seven years, the vehicle has consistently passed its annual roadworthiness inspections with only isolated advisories, indicating a generally stable maintenance trend. The only advisories of any mechanical note are a 2024 note regarding slight play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint, and earlier notes concerning tyre wear, bodywork damage, and a loose rear heat shield. None of these escalated into test failures, suggesting the owner has maintained the vehicle to a reasonable standard, though the track rod end advisory warrants close attention on a pre-purchase inspection. With 115,245 miles recorded over approximately seventeen years, the vehicle is averaging around 6,779 miles annually, a figure broadly in line with typical UK usage for a car of this age and type. The mileage accumulation appears steady and consistent, with no obvious gaps that would suggest extended periods of standing, nor any exceptionally rapid accumulation that would indicate hard use such as motorway mileage. This average annual mileage implies regular operation, which is generally beneficial for keeping mechanical components such as the clutch, brakes, battery, and seals in working order, as prolonged inactivity tends to bring its own problems with seized calipers, perished rubber, and fluid degradation. Given the modest annual mileage, the engine and drivetrain should have accrued reasonable wear but not be excessively fatigued, though consumables and suspension components will inevitably have reached or be approaching replacement thresholds. Given the advisory recorded in May 2024 regarding slight play in the nearside front track rod end ball joint, this component should be a priority inspection point. Track rod ends are a critical part of the steering linkage, and any deterioration in the two-and-a-half years since that advisory could now have progressed to a more pronounced condition that would fail an MOT. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking noises from the front suspension, particularly when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and check for uneven or feathered wear on the front tyres, as a worn ball joint will typically cause irregular inner or outer edge tyre wear. With the vehicle now at this mileage, also expect to inspect the condition of the front brake discs and pads, as Fiesta front discs commonly require attention around this point, and listen for any brake shudder or grinding under application. As this is now a seventeen-year-old vehicle, several age-related inspections are highly advisable regardless of the MOT history. Check the tyres carefully for sidewall cracking or perishing from age, as rubber compounds degrade over time even where tread depth remains legal, and verify that all four tyres are of consistent type and manufacture date. Examine the underside and inner arches for corrosion, paying particular attention to the sill seams, wheel arches, and subframe mounting points, as the Fiesta is known to suffer from corrosion in these regions once it reaches this age. Confirm that the 12V battery is holding charge effectively, as a battery older than five years may struggle, particularly given that some owners only undertake short journeys. Verify the service book stamps to confirm regular oil and filter changes, and check the condition and age of the coolant, brake fluid, and timing belt or chain service interval, as these calendar-based fluid and servicing items are crucial on a high-mileage but older vehicle such as this, and any gaps in the documented service history should be rectified as a matter of priority.