2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ML09 SYT

A pattern of front suspension wear and recurring component advisories defines the mechanical profile of this 2009 Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 2022-09-13 recording a clean pass and no advisories at all. That said, the intervening history is not without concern. The 2020 test documented slight play in both front lower suspension arm ball joints alongside deteriorating steering rack gaiters, and earlier still in 2018 the nearside front coil spring fractured outright, triggering major failures on two separate occasions within the same month. Two major advisories for inoperative front position lamps also surfaced in 2018 and 2019, alongside registration plate lamp issues. The fact that the 2022 test returned a clean sheet is a positive data point, but a single unadorned pass after several years of advisories does not establish that the previously flagged components have been resolved rather than simply not yet deteriorated to a failable threshold. With 113,236 miles spread across seventeen years, the Fiesta has averaged roughly 6,661 miles annually, which sits comfortably within normal parameters for a car of this vintage and does not suggest either excessive use or extended periods of standing. The MOT record shows tests in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, followed by a notable two-year gap before the 2022 entry. That gap is consistent with a vehicle that may have covered relatively few miles during the intervening period, or alternatively one that was simply not presented for testing, but there is no mileage evidence in the supplied data to indicate either way. The recorded mileage is what one would expect from a typical commuter or family supermini of this age, meaning wear items such as suspension bushes, brake components, and exhaust hangers are likely to be approaching or past their service-life midpoint. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension is unquestionably the priority area to scrutinise. The 2020 advisories flagged slight play in both lower arm ball joints, and the 2018 records show a fractured nearside front coil spring on two separate test attempts, which raises the question of whether the original spring was replaced with a quality component or simply swapped for another that may itself be approaching fatigue. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, particularly on full lock steering where worn ball joints tend to articulate audibly. Push down firmly on each front corner and release, watching for any continued bouncing that would indicate compromised damper performance. Inspect the engine bay and undertray for any sign of fresh oil residue, as the 2018 advisory noted a non-excessive leak that warrants monitoring; check the level on the dipstick and look for milky residue on the oil cap that could indicate coolant contamination. Brake and tyre condition also merits close physical inspection. The 2018 failures recorded front brake pads wearing thin and front discs worn, alongside multiple advisories for nearside and offside rear tyres worn close to the legal limit or perished, suggesting the previous replacement cycle for tyres has been aggressive. On inspection, measure remaining tread depth across the full width of each tyre rather than just the central ribs, and examine the sidewalls for cracking or perishing consistent with age-related rubber degradation. Brake pedal feel should be firm and progressive without excessive travel or judder under heavy braking, which would suggest warped front discs. Finally, verify operation of all exterior lighting including front position lamps, side repeaters, and number plate illumination, given the repeated advisories in this area, and confirm the cooling fan cuts in at operating temperature, as the 2020 test flagged that the high-temperature fan was not working, a fault that warrants confirmation has been rectified since.