2008 Ford Fiesta 2.0L Petrol · ML51 LAL

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass in April 2026, but the maintenance history reveals a worsening trend regarding structural and braking components. While the most recent test at 53,356 miles cleared a failure from two days prior, the underlying issues remain significant. The April 2026 test report identified heavy corrosion on both centre main brake pipes, the offside rear brake pipe, the exhaust, and the front sub-frame. These defects suggest that the vehicle is suffering from accelerated environmental degradation despite its low annual mileage. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for an 18-year-old car, averaging approximately 3,000 miles per year since its 2008 registration. This low usage explains the perishing of rubber components, as seen with the cracking and damaging tyres noted in 2020 and 2024. However, long periods of standing often contribute to the specific type of corrosion observed in this record. The gap between the 2025 and 2026 tests shows only 3,566 miles driven, during which time the braking system deteriorated significantly to the point of failure. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the chassis and braking system. The tester repeatedly flagged the front sub-frame and rear axle as corroded; while not yet described as seriously weakened, the persistent rust indicates the structural integrity may be compromised in the future. The braking system shows a history of recurring neglect, including lagging calipers, pitted discs, and corroded pipes. Specific attention should be paid to the quality of the repairs made after the April 2026 failure to ensure the corroded pipes were replaced rather than merely cleaned or treated.