2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · ML09 HSE

The vehicle presents a concerning state of roadworthiness following a period of significant mechanical decline. While it passed its most recent test on 06 May 2026 at 134,899 miles, this followed two consecutive failures in March and April. The maintenance trend indicates a reactive rather than proactive approach, as multiple critical safety items were only addressed after failing the tester. The presence of exhaust fumes entering the cabin during the April 2026 test suggests an exhaust or manifold failure that required immediate rectification. At 134,899 miles, this seventeen-year Fiesta has averaged approximately 7,935 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for its age. However, the data shows a sharp surge in activity between April 2025 and March 2026, where the car covered over 3,700 miles in just eleven months. This recent accumulation likely correlates with the accelerated deterioration of wear components, as evidenced by the transition from minor advisories to outright failures of braking and suspension components during the 2026 testing cycle. A buyer must pay close attention to the front suspension and braking system. The offside front lower suspension arm ball joint has been flagged for play or excessive wear since at least March 2025, indicating a persistent structural issue that may not have been fully resolved. The braking system shows a history of pitted and scored discs alongside thinning pads across multiple years. The recent April 2026 failure for a leaking nearside front hydraulic caliper and imbalanced rear brakes suggests that the hydraulic system is under stress and requires a thorough inspection for further leaks. The tyre history also reveals a pattern of neglect, with the offside rear tyre having been noted for cracking and perishing since 2024. The May 2026 failure for an offside front tyre being worn on the inside edge points to an alignment issue, likely caused by the aforementioned ball joint wear. Any inspection should include a check for structural corrosion on the chassis and a verify that the exhaust leak which caused cabin fume ingress has been properly sealed rather than merely patched.