2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · NG09 TWM

The most recent MOT test on 13 July 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive immediate indicator of the vehicle's current roadworthy condition. Looking back across the available history, however, the overall trend suggests a car that has had genuine mechanical attention required rather than a pattern of entirely trouble-free motoring. The 2025 test passed but carried four advisories, and the two prior tests in 2022 and 2023 both produced major failure items, including a dangerous defect for a leaking rear hydraulic brake cylinder. Since that 2022 dangerous failure, the recorded history shows a series of successful passes with only advisory items flagged, which suggests the underlying issues have been addressed. The maintenance trend is therefore one of recovery and stabilisation, with the most recent clean pass indicating that previous concerns around suspension and braking have been resolved, though a prospective buyer should still verify the quality and longevity of those repairs. The recorded mileage of 155,822 miles over roughly seventeen years equates to an annual average of around 9,166 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and is neither unusually low nor excessive. There are no significant gaps or sudden spikes in the MOT mileage history that would suggest long periods of standing or rapid accumulation, both of which can create their own mechanical concerns such as corrosion from inactivity or accelerated wear from motorway use. The fairly steady and moderate usage pattern is generally favourable, indicating a car that has been used consistently rather than neglected or overworked. Given this mileage, however, one should expect normal wear-related replacements across the suspension, braking, and drivetrain consumables, and the recorded MOT advisories broadly support that expectation. The most concerning recurring theme in the MOT history centres on the front suspension, with advisories and failures relating to suspension arm bushes, ball joints, and track rod ends appearing in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025. While the 2026 test recorded no defects, suspension components of this age and mileage remain susceptible to ongoing wear, particularly rubber bushes which deteriorate with age as well as mileage. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks over bumps and during slow-speed manoeuvres, and pay attention to any vagueness in the steering or wandering at speed, which could indicate renewed play in the front suspension joints. It would be prudent to have the front suspension thoroughly inspected on a ramp, as the cost of replacing control arms, bushes, and track rod ends on a Fiesta of this vintage is modest but necessary for safety. Braking system history is similarly instructive, with major defects recorded in 2022 for both front brake discs being significantly worn and a dangerous failure for a leaking rear hydraulic brake cylinder. Although the 2025 and 2026 tests show no brake-related advisories, the front discs and pads may now be approaching another renewal interval given the mileage accumulated since 2022. On inspection, check the disc surfaces for lipping, check pad thickness visually through the caliper, and verify the handbrake holds firmly. The 2025 advisory regarding perished rear axle swivel pin bushes and a worn rear shock absorber bush is also worth visual inspection, as perished rubber in the rear axle assembly typically progresses with age. Beyond the recorded history, given the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should also examine the tyres carefully for sidewall cracking or perishing regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades with time, and should verify the age of the 12V battery, the condition of the coolant and brake fluid which benefit from periodic replacement regardless of mileage, and the presence of any corrosion in the wheel arches, underbody, or brake components that might have developed from the car's age and UK road conditions.