2007 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · MJ57 DGU

A pattern of low-impact advisories and minor defects, with the latest pass on 21 September 2024, defines the roadworthiness profile of this 2007 Ford Fiesta. Across the recorded tests there is no single component failing repeatedly with severity, but there is a steady accumulation of small wear-related flags. The most recent test noted a slightly defective headlamp lens, a deteriorated rear number plate, an oil leak described as not excessive, slight play in the offside front wheel bearing, and rear brake binding recorded as not excessive. A 2022 test added wiper blade deterioration, tyre perishing on the nearside front and both rear tyres, and a nearside rear tyre worn on the edge close to the legal limit. A 2019 test flagged wear on both front brake discs and a deteriorated nearside front CV joint boot. Two failures are recorded: a Dangerous windscreen crack exceeding 40 mm in 2019 that affected the swept visibility area, and a position lamp failure in 2022. While none of these on their own indicates systemic neglect, the breadth of items touched upon suggests consumable wear consistent with a nineteen year old car, rather than a focused mechanical defect. Against an age of approximately nineteen years, the 110,161 recorded miles equate to roughly 5,800 miles per year, which is well below typical annual mileage for a vehicle of this vintage. This low accumulation is reinforced by the test cadence itself: the supplied records jump from 2019 to 2020, then show a near two year interval to 2022, and finally another two year interval to 2024, with identical dates in 2020 and 2022 indicating an immediate retest after failure on each occasion. Such patterns generally indicate short, infrequent journeys rather than continuous daily use, with the vehicle likely laid up for extended periods between tests. Mechanically, this usage profile tends to produce dry, hardened rubber components, surface corrosion on iron items such as brake discs, and the kind of minor oil seepage flagged on more than one test, while major wear items such as clutch, turbo and timing components often remain comparatively lightly worn. For a prospective buyer, the advisories relating to the offside front wheel bearing and the rear brake binding warrant close physical inspection rather than dismissal. On a test drive, listen for a low rumbling or drone that rises and falls with speed, particularly when cornering under load, and feel for any wander or vibration through the steering that could indicate the bearing play progressing. For the rear brake binding, check that the vehicle rolls freely on a flat surface when started in gear without throttle, feel for any dragging or pulling to one side under light braking, and look for hot wheels or a burning smell immediately after the test route. Given the recorded brake disc wear from 2019 and the age of the car, a full brake assessment including measurement of disc thickness, pad material remaining and a check of the rear drum or caliper mechanism would be prudent, as any binding noted three years ago could have progressed. The recurring oil leak and the deteriorated CV joint boot are also worth specific attention, as both can deteriorate quietly between MOT tests. With the engine warm, inspect the lower engine and bellhousing area for fresh oil residue, and on a test drive listen for a rhythmic clicking or clicking that changes with steering angle, which would indicate a failing outer CV joint. Check the nearside front inner and outer boot for fresh splits or grease contamination, as a perished boot that was only recorded as severely deteriorated in 2019 may have split entirely by now. The nearside rear tyre being worn close to the legal limit on its edge in 2022 also suggests the alignment on that axle should be checked, particularly for any tracking issue or worn rear suspension bushes that allow the wheel to sit out of square. A thorough pre-purchase inspection on a lift is recommended, with particular focus on underbody condition given the age, and a clear explanation of any remedial work outstanding to bring the vehicle up to a fully roadworthy standard.