2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MF60 AAV

A recurring pattern of initial test failures preceding eventual passes characterises the roadworthiness history of this 2010 Ford Fiesta, pointing to a vehicle that consistently requires remedial work before meeting legal standards. Every annual inspection recorded between 2022 and 2025 involved an initial refusal certificate due to a mix of electrical faults, exhaust leaks, and failed lighting components, before subsequent clearance was achieved. The most recent test on October 27, 2025, resulted in a pass after a rectification for a non-working nearside stop lamp, mirroring earlier struggles with blown bulbs, discoloured indicator lenses, and emission limits. While the vehicle ultimately achieves a pass each year, the persistent requirement for pre-test repairs indicates a pattern of deferred maintenance regarding consumables and basic electrical upkeep. Accumulating 122,225 miles over its sixteen-year lifespan translates to an average of roughly 7,600 miles per year, representing typical, moderate annual usage for this class of hatchback. There are no suspicious testing gaps or extended periods of storage noted in the history, meaning components have experienced a continuous, steady rate of wear rather than the accelerated degradation associated with heavy commercial driving or the seizure risks linked to prolonged standing. This steady mileage accumulation places normal demands on the powertrain and chassis, with mechanical degradation tied strictly to age and standard operational friction rather than extreme duty cycles. Prospective buyers must pay close attention to the structural integrity of the wheels and the condition of the braking system during an inspection. The 2023 MOT record flagged three distorted inner road wheels on the nearside front, offside front, and nearside rear, which can induce subtle steering vibrations or wheel imbalance at motorway speeds. On a test drive, you should accelerate up to cruising speed while paying careful attention to any rhythmic steering wheel judder or cabin vibration that might indicate these distorted rims are still present or have caused premature hub and bearing wear. Furthermore, the 2022 test noted a fluctuating front service brake, meaning you should test the pedal response thoroughly from moderate speeds to ensure uniform deceleration without pulling or pulsating feedback through the footwell. Given the history of exhaust and electrical defects, a thorough stationary check of all exterior lighting and a physical inspection of the exhaust system from the catalytic converter rearward are strongly advised. The 2024 failure for a major exhaust gas leak and an out-of-spec lambda reading suggests the system has previously suffered from corrosion or joint degradation, so look underneath the car for blowing joints or soot deposits. Check that all indicators, stop lamps, and registration plate lights operate without intermittent faults, as the recurring bulb and lens discoloration issues from past tests show that the wiring loom and lamp holders on this chassis require careful scrutiny to prevent recurrent electrical gremlins.