2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · NG09 YJD

The defining concern in the MOT record for this 2009 Ford Fiesta is a clear and progressive corrosion pattern developing across the rear suspension mountings and supporting structure, which represents the most significant mechanical risk for any prospective buyer. The most recent test on 20 August 2026 documented advisories for both the near-side and off-side rear suspension component mounting areas showing deterioration at the inner sill, classified as corroded but not yet considered excessive. This followed a more serious entry exactly one year earlier on 18 August 2025, where the near-side rear mounting area was failed outright for excessive corrosion significantly reducing structural strength, alongside a headlamp aim defect. The trend line is one of deteriorating condition: what escalated from a clean pass in 2024 to a major structural failure in 2025, and has now settled back into advisories after repair work, suggests the corrosion has been addressed once but the underlying vulnerability of these areas remains. The 2026 test also included a fail entry on the same date for an off-side front position lamp not working, which was subsequently rectified for the pass certificate issued later that day. Overall, the roadworthiness picture is one of borderline structural integrity at the rear, with the vehicle passing its current test but sitting on a watch-list for the same components year on year. With 88,951 miles recorded across approximately 17 years, this Fiesta has averaged around 5,200 miles annually, which is markedly low for a vehicle of this vintage and suggests either genuinely light use, periods of inactivity, or a mix of both. There are no apparent gaps in the annual testing record, indicating the car has remained in regular service rather than left off-road for extended stretches, which is favourable for avoiding the dry-rot and seized component issues that plague long-stationary vehicles. However, the low annual accumulation means the mechanical wear on high-mileage items such as the engine internals, clutch and gearbox synchros is likely modest, but it also means consumables such as brake fluid, coolant, drive belts and suspension bushes may have aged more from time than from use. The lack of recorded odometer anomalies across consecutive certificates provides reasonable confidence in the mileage figure, and the steady annual testing rhythm means there are no concerning five-figure jumps or discrepancies between readings. Mechanically, this usage profile points to a car that has experienced gentle accumulation but should still be evaluated carefully for age-related degradation of rubber and polymer components. For a buyer prioritising this particular vehicle, the rear inner sill and suspension mounting areas warrant the most careful physical inspection, ideally with the car raised on a ramp rather than relying solely on a jacks-at-each-corner viewing. Tap the inner sill sections behind the rear wheels with a screwdriver handle or knuckle to listen for thin, papery metal rather than a solid dull thud, and check for any previous repair patches, underseal bubbling, or fresh weld marks suggesting recent rectification of the 2025 failure. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly speed humps and broken tarmac, as corroded mounting points allow excessive play in the rear beam bushings and dampers. Pay particular attention to tracking and stability, because compromised structural stiffness at the rear can manifest as vagueness or wander over bumps rather than a clear-cut component failure. The 2024 advisories also deserve attention despite being older entries. The front sub-frame corrosion advisory means the front of the car should be inspected for similar advancing rust, particularly where the lower arms and anti-roll bar linkages meet the subframe, and any knocking from the front under braking or over bumps should be investigated promptly. The off-side front brake pipe advisory, noted as being covered in grease or other material rather than failed outright, suggests that the brake lines have been dressed in protective coating, which is a common preventative but warrants confirmation that the underlying pipe is not actively corroding, especially along its full length including the section running along the inner wing and under the fuel tank. On a test drive, the brake pedal should feel firm with no spongy travel or excessive travel to the floor, and the car should pull up straight without any pull to either side under firm braking, which would indicate a binding or seizing calliper. The off-side rear tyre noted as slightly damaged or perishing should be inspected for sidewall cracking, particularly in the grooves between tread blocks, and replaced regardless if any splits are visible, as perished tyres of this age are a failure item at next MOT regardless of tread depth. Finally, confirm that both front position lamps and headlamps are functioning correctly with correct beam pattern, as the 2026 fail and 2025 advisory on lighting items suggests occasional electrical gremlins which are cheap to fix but worth verifying on inspection.