2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ML09 KTC

The most recent DVSA test on 17 September 2025 resulted in a pass, with an advisory recorded for an offside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Looking at the broader history, the vehicle has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance trend, passing its annual tests consecutively from 2020 onwards, with only one fail recorded on 27 October 2022 due to a major exhaust leak at the rear silencer. That same test noted advisories for tyre damage and perishing on both front tyres, and a separate failure on 12 November 2020 cited an excessively worn offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Notably, the offside rear and offside front tyres have attracted advisories across multiple consecutive tests, suggesting a recurring wear pattern that warrants close attention, while the major suspension and exhaust defects appear to have been rectified given the subsequent passes. The recorded odometer reading of 101,051 miles against an age of approximately 17 years equates to an average annual mileage of around 5,944 miles, which is considerably below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this type and age. This relatively low annual accumulation suggests either genuinely light use, predominantly short journeys, or extended periods of standing or intermittent use. While lower mileage typically preserves major drivetrain components such as the engine and transmission, it can also accelerate degradation of certain items through lack of regular use, including brake disc corrosion from infrequent application, sticking or binding brake calipers, oxidation within the exhaust system, and premature ageing of rubber and polymer components. For a prospective buyer, the recurring tyre advisories on the offside front and offside rear warrant careful scrutiny, as the pattern of inner-edge wear on the front could indicate worn suspension bushes, weak or sagging coil springs, or tracking misalignment, all of which would warrant a physical inspection and potentially a four-wheel alignment check. On a test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly on the offside, and feel for pulling to one side under braking or uneven steering response. Given the November 2020 advisory on the lower suspension arm ball joint, confirm that any replacement component was of OEM or equivalent quality, and inspect the surrounding bushes for perishing or cracking, which are common failure points on a vehicle of this vintage. Beyond the recorded defects, the age and modest annual mileage of this Fiesta demand attention to several time-sensitive deterioration issues that routine MOT testing does not fully cover. Inspect the sidewalls of all tyres closely for perishing or cracking, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and verify that the spare or repair kit is serviceable. Check the 12V battery for holding charge, as prolonged periods of standing can flatten and sulphate a battery prematurely, and request evidence of recent replacement if possible. Examine the brake discs for surface corrosion and test for any binding calipers by ensuring the wheels rotate freely by hand when cold. Lift the bonnet and inspect coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid for condition and age, as these degrade on a calendar basis and should be renewed according to manufacturer schedules. Finally, verify a complete service history with stamps confirming timely renewal of engine oil, filters, and spark plugs, and check the exhaust system thoroughly for corrosion at the joints and mounting rubbers, given the prior major leak at the rear silencer.