2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · MK54 KLD

The vehicle presents a concerning roadworthiness profile characterized by a trend of structural and mechanical degradation. While it passed its most recent test in January 2023 at 72,610 miles, this followed a failure on the same day for basic electrical and minor suspension issues. The history reveals a persistent struggle with deep-seated corrosion which has remained an advisory or a failure point for several years. The lack of an MOT record for the past three years indicates the vehicle is currently overdue and potentially untax, making its current safety status unknown. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 3,300 miles per year. There is a significant gap of over 10,000 miles between November 2021 and January 2023, suggesting the car may have sat for long periods. Such periods of inactivity often exacerbate the structural issues already noted in the record, as the lack of movement accelerates the seizing of brake components and the degradation of rubber perished, which is consistent with the heavy corrosion seen on the rear axle and front suspension hubs. A buyer must prioritize a thorough underbody inspection to assess the extent of the structural rust. The records from 2020 and 2021 repeatedly flag heavy corrosion on the rear axle, front suspension, and brake pipes, which are critical safety components that can lead to catastrophic failure. The previous failures for worn anti-roll bar linkages and rear axle swivel bushes suggest the suspension geometry is under constant stress. Particular attention should be paid to the nearside rear road wheel and the condition of the brake pipes to ensure they have not progressed beyond repair. Given the age and history of rust, the structural integrity of the chassis remains the primary risk.