2001 Ford Fiesta 1.3L Petrol · MT51 AXW
2001 Ford Fiesta (1.3L, petrol). First registered 30 Nov 2001. Recorded mileage 81,539 miles. MOT expired on 28 Nov 2025.
- Make & Model
- FORD FIESTA
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 28 Nov 2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 81,539 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.3L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
MT51 AXW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 01/12/2025
- 81,539 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MT51 AXW MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Ford Fiesta (MT51 AXW) between November 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 01 December 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (9 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 16 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor /under front seat (7.1.1 ”; “Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor /under front seat (7.1.1”; “Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))”.
MT51 AXW Mileage History
- 25/11/202277,024 mi
- 16/11/202378,143 mi+1,119 mi
- 28/11/202378,180 mi+37 mi
- 21/11/202479,105 mi+925 mi
- 01/12/202581,539 mi+2,434 mi
Average of roughly 1,497 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution. This vehicle has significant structural concerns regarding seatbelt anchorages and corrosion that may make it unsafe or unroadworthy in the long term.
If you are considering this car, you must prioritize a professional inspection of the chassis and sills. The MOT history shows repeated issues with seatbelt anchorage strength being reduced due to floor and sill corrosion. This is a critical safety matter that often requires expensive welding to rectify.
Negotiate heavily based on the most recent MOT failures. The vehicle currently requires attention to the offside headlamp, shock absorbers, CV boots, and significant suspension component work (bushes and strut top mountings). Ensure that any work carried out on the seatbelt anchorages is documented with receipts and verified by a qualified mechanic, as this is a fundamental safety component.
As a 1.3L petrol model, running costs are generally low. This engine is relatively economical for a small hatchback of this era, though fuel efficiency will depend on maintenance.
Insurance groups for 2001 Fiestas are typically low, making it affordable for newer drivers. However, be prepared for higher-than-average maintenance costs in the short term due to the volume of advisory items regarding suspension bushes, brake pipes, and shock absorbers that need addressing to keep the car roadworthy.
First and foremost, inspect the structural integrity of the sills and floorpan. The MOT history specifically mentions 'significantly reduced' seatbelt anchorage strength in the sills and floor/under seats. This indicates advanced corrosion that could be a dealbreaker.
Secondly, check the entire braking system. There is a documented history of corroded brake pipes and deteriorating hoses dating back several years. Finally, examine the suspension; the vehicle has a recurring pattern of worn bushes (front and rear axle), worn strut top mountings, and leaking shock absorbers. Check the CV boots as well, as the most recent test noted they are severely deteriorated.
This 2001 Ford Fiesta 1.3 petrol has covered 81,539 miles, which is relatively low for its age, but its MOT history reveals serious underlying issues. While the mileage is decent, the most recent MOT in December 2025 resulted in a failure due to major structural issues with seatbelt anchorages and leaking shock absorbers. The vehicle has a long-standing history of brake pipe corrosion and suspension wear.
While the Ford Fiesta is a historically popular and robust small car, this specific example shows signs of significant age-related deterioration and corrosion.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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