2002 Ford Fiesta 1.3L Petrol · ML52 TPU

Recurring issues with tyre wear and an ongoing oil leak characterise the mechanical profile of this Ford Fiesta, alongside a recent failure on 7 December 2023. The inspection history shows a persistent pattern of tyres being flagged for being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges, spanning from 2021 through to the most recent test. The most recent failure was specifically due to a major defect regarding a rough offside rear wheel bearing, which marks a shift from the previous two years of passing tests. While the oil leak has been noted as an advisory in both 2022 and 2023, it remains a consistent feature of the vehicle's recorded condition. The vehicle has covered 137,659 miles over its approximately 24-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of roughly 5,736 miles. This is a relatively low mileage profile for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, such low annual usage can sometimes correlate with the degradation of rubber components, such as the tyre perishing and cracking noted in the 2023 advisory, or the presence of slow oil leaks that may develop when a vehicle is not driven frequently enough to maintain optimal operating temperatures and seal pressure. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the drivetrain and running gear during a test drive. The recorded major failure of the offside rear wheel bearing suggests that mechanical components in the hub assembly may be reaching the end of their service life. On the road, this may manifest as a consistent humming, droning, or grinding noise that increases in pitch with vehicle speed. Additionally, the repeated advisories regarding tyre wear on the edges suggest potential issues with wheel alignment or suspension geometry. Listen for uneven tyre noise and check for any pulling to one side during straight-line driving, which could indicate worn suspension bushes or incorrect toe settings. The documented oil leak, while described as not excessive in the 2023 record, requires physical inspection of the engine bay and underbody to identify the source, whether it be a gasket, seal, or oil filter housing. Given the low annual mileage and the specific mention of tyre perishing, a thorough visual inspection of all sidewalls for cracks or dry rot is necessary, regardless of tread depth. Any signs of fluid weeping around the engine or transmission should be monitored to ensure the leak is not progressing, as the history shows this has been a continuous advisory for at least two consecutive testing cycles.