2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ND57 EKP

The 2007 Ford Fiesta currently holds no valid MOT, having failed its most recent test on 15 January 2025 at 166,803 miles. The maintenance trend over the past five years is clearly worsening. While the car passed in January 2022 and January 2023 with only minor advisories, the January 2024 test already flagged a worn offside rear tyre and slight wear in the offside steering arm, and by January 2025 the vehicle presented a substantial failure list spanning emissions, lighting, steering, suspension corrosion, and wheel integrity. This trajectory suggests the previous owner allowed the car to deteriorate significantly in the final year of use rather than maintaining it to a roadworthy standard. The mileage accumulation of roughly 8,779 miles per year is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, and the record shows consistent annual testing from 2022 through 2025 with no alarming gaps. However, the jump from 157,846 miles in January 2024 to 166,803 miles in January 2025 represents approximately 8,957 miles in a single year, which is at the upper end of normal use and may have accelerated the wear and corrosion failures seen in the final test. The car was clearly being driven regularly right up to its failure, so buyers should not assume low recent usage has preserved its condition. The January 2025 failure raises serious concerns about structural integrity and braking system health. The tester identified excessive corrosion in the offside rear suspension component mounting prescribed area, significantly reducing structural strength, which is a critical defect on a 19-year-old vehicle and may indicate broader underbody corrosion. Both front and rear road wheels were flagged as slightly distorted, suggesting possible kerb damage or long-term neglect. Brake pipe corrosion has been a recurring theme, appearing in both the 2022 and 2024 tests, and the steering rack was flagged for excessive free play in the most recent failure, building on the advisory for slight wear in the offside steering arm noted a year earlier. Any in-person inspection must prioritise a thorough underbody examination for corrosion, a close check of all brake lines and flexible hoses, and a proper steering and suspension assessment on a lift. Emissions compliance is another area of concern. The January 2025 test recorded excessive hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide readings at the second fast idle, and the January 2024 failure included an inability to complete the emissions test at all. Combined with the headlamp aim and lighting defects, this points to a car that has not been running efficiently or safely. A buyer should verify the catalytic converter condition, check for exhaust leaks, and ensure the engine management system is functioning correctly before committing to any purchase.