2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · NG08 SLZ

A clean and consistent DVSA test record defines this 2008 Ford Fiesta, with passes at every recorded visit and the most recent examination on 14 August 2025 concluding without a single advisory or failure item. Across the five documented tests from mid-2022 through to late 2025, no defects have been logged, which is a strong indicator that the vehicle has remained mechanically compliant throughout its recent life on the road. The presence of a same-day pass and fail on 16 August 2023 suggests a minor issue was identified and rectified during the test visit itself rather than a persistent or unresolved defect, and this is supported by the subsequent clean results. For an eighteen-year-old vehicle, an unbroken run of advisories-free MOTs points to either diligent pre-test preparation or genuinely sound underlying condition, both of which are favourable signals for a prospective buyer. The recorded mileage of 115,816 miles against an age of approximately eighteen years equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,434 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this vintage. There is nothing unusual in the testing intervals, with annual examinations carried out consistently from June 2022 onwards, and no extended gaps that would imply long periods off the road where standing could degrade components such as brake discs, suspension bushes, or the exhaust system. Given the relatively modest yearly mileage, wear on major mechanical items such as the clutch, engine internals, and gearbox should be proportionate, and consumables like tyres, brake pads, and discs are likely to have been replaced on a routine basis rather than being left to deteriorate to failure. When inspecting this Fiesta, particular attention should be given to the areas that commonly affect high-mileage Fiestas of this generation but which were not flagged during testing, namely the rear axle bush, front suspension wishbones and anti-roll bar drop links, and the condition of the exhaust system including the cat flex section which is known to perish on earlier models. During a test drive, listen for clonking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning, which would indicate worn wishbone bushes or drop links. Steering should remain tight and free of slop, and any knocking or vibration through the wheel on rough roads warrants further investigation of the front strut top mounts and springs. Brake feel should be firm and progressive with no excessive pedal travel, and the vehicle should pull up in a straight line without any juddering through the steering wheel under heavy braking, which can indicate warped front discs. On the road, monitor for any blue smoke from the exhaust on start-up or under hard acceleration, as this generation of Fiesta with the 1.25 or 1.4 Duratec engine can suffer from worn valve stem oil seals at this mileage. Additionally, check for coolant leaks around the thermostat housing and water pump area, listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start which can develop as the plastic tensioner wears, and verify that the clutch action is smooth with no slipping when pulling away in higher gears or up steep inclines. A thorough inspection underneath the vehicle for any developing corrosion on the rear subframe mounting points and brake pipe unions would also be prudent given the car's age and exposure to British weather conditions.