2009 Ford Fusion 1.4L Petrol · MW09 DLZ

The vehicle maintains a roadworthy status, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward mechanical wear as it ages. While the car passed its most recent test in July 2023 at 84,976 miles, the tester identified specific defects that were absent in previous years. The presence of deteriorated dust covers on both the nearside and offside front suspension arm ball joints, alongside a gearbox oil leak, indicates that components are beginning to suffer age-related degradation. The mileage profile is notably low for a 17-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,000 miles per year. Between June 2020 at 62,084 miles and July 2023 at 84,976 miles, the car covered over 22,000 miles. This low usage suggests light road use, but long periods of standing often lead to the perishability of rubber components and the drying of seals, which aligns with the perished dust covers and the oil leak noted in the 2023 record. A buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension to ensure the ball joints have been replaced, as the deteriorated covers are a precursor to imminent joint failure. The reported gearbox oil leak requires close monitoring to determine if it is a minor seepage or a seal requiring immediate attention. Given the age of the vehicle and low mileage, a thorough check of the chassis for corrosion and brake lines is essential, as these are common areas for low-mileage cars that have not been driven frequently.