2002 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · MM02 LRX

A notably clean MOT history defines this 2002 Ford Fiesta, with all recorded advisory and failure fields returning empty across every test logged in the DVSA database. The most recent examination on 19 April 2024 produced a straightforward pass with no advisories, continuing a trend established by the previous pass on 4 January 2023. That 2023 test is particularly telling because the same date also records a failure, yet with no defects listed in either case, suggesting an administrative or category-specific outcome rather than a mechanical rejection. Across four tests spanning from late 2021 to mid 2024, the vehicle has demonstrated consistent roadworthiness, with no documented wear items, corrosion advisories, or component deteriorations flagged. For a 24-year-old car, this is an unusually tidy record. At 104,941 miles accumulated over roughly 24 years, the Fiesta shows an average of around 4,370 miles annually, which sits well below the typical figure for a vehicle of this vintage and class. The testing cadence reinforces this picture, with entries in December 2021, January 2023, and April 2024, indicating the car has been in active use and presented for testing at regular intervals without extended lay-up periods. This pattern of low but consistent mileage is mechanically favourable in some respects, as it limits cumulative wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch, engine internals, and transmission. However, lower annual mileage on an ageing vehicle can also mean prolonged stationary periods between use, which can accelerate deterioration of rubber components, brake calliper seizure, exhaust system corrosion from infrequent heat cycling, and degradation of underseal protection. The risk profile here is therefore not one of fatigue from overwork but rather of age-related material degradation. Given the complete absence of advisory notes, there is no specific component history to target during inspection, which means a prospective buyer must rely on a thorough physical examination to identify issues that have not yet reached MOT failure thresholds. Particular attention should be paid to the rear brake shoes and drums, as these are commonly neglected on low-mileage cars and can suffer from calliper or wheel cylinder seizure even when the front discs and pads appear serviceable. The exhaust system, particularly the rear silencer and mounting brackets, should be inspected for external corrosion, and the underbody checked for any underseal breakdown that could mask emerging surface rust on the floor pans, inner sills, and rear axle beam. On the test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn wishbone bushes or failing front struts, and pay attention to steering feel, as vague or imprecise feedback may point to deteriorated tie-bar or anti-roll bar link components. Inside the engine bay, while the MOT history does not flag any oil leaks, a 24-year-old engine of this mileage is still worth checking for minor seepage from the valve cover gasket, sump, and camshaft cover, particularly given the age of the original gaskets. On starting from cold, listen for any timing belt area rattles, as a 24-year-old belt would typically have been replaced at least once, and verifying service history for this is worthwhile. During the road test, check for smooth clutch operation, as hydraulic concentric slave cylinders on this generation of Fiesta are known wear items, and any shudder or difficulty engaging first gear would warrant further investigation. Finally, confirm that the recent clean MOT pass is consistent with the vehicle's current condition, as a 24-year-old car with no advisories on its most recent test should present a high standard overall; any significant knocks, warning lights, or visible corrosion would therefore warrant close scrutiny.