2007 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · OV07 CNJ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 7 April 2026, was passed but returned advisories for the nearside and off‑side front tyres being close to the legal tread limit and showing edge wear. Earlier in the series, the 2021 test produced a failure for a dangerously worn nearside front tyre and thin front brake pads, while the 2020 test highlighted corrosion of the brake pipe, rear coil spring, rear exhaust silencer and rear chassis mounting points. Since the 2021 failure the vehicle has cleared its MOTs without any recorded failures, indicating that the owner has addressed the most serious defects and that the overall maintenance trend has moved from a period of deterioration to a more stable, albeit tyre‑wear‑focused, condition. At 76,849 miles on a 2007 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 4,000 mi per year, which is considerably below the typical 8‑12 000 mi expected for a car of this age. Such low utilisation often points to long periods of storage rather than heavy use, meaning that wear on wear‑items such as clutch, gearbox and engine internals will be modest, but components that suffer from age rather than mileage – rubber, seals, batteries and corrosion‑prone steel – may be more advanced in their life cycle. The modest mileage also reduces the likelihood of fatigue‑related suspension or chassis issues, yet it does not eliminate the need to check for perishing of tyres and degradation of fluids that occur with time. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the four front tyres. Measure tread depth with a tread depth gauge; any reading below 1.6 mm on the nearside front will be illegal and may indicate uneven wear that could be caused by mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or uneven tyre pressures. Feel for any sidewall cracking or perishing, especially on the nearside rear tyre which was previously noted as slightly damaged. Examine the brake pipe for any signs of rust, flaking or grease residue, and verify that the pipe is free of leaks by checking for dampness around the fittings. The rear coil spring, noted as corroded in 2020, should be inspected for surface rust that could compromise its integrity; a sagging rear ride height or clunking over bumps would be a symptom of a weakened spring. The rear exhaust silencer and chassis mountings should be checked for rust‑through or cracked hangers, as corrosion in these areas can lead to increased noise and, in extreme cases, structural fatigue. Finally, confirm that the front brake pads have been replaced since the 2021 advisory; thin pads will manifest as a high‑pitched squeal on braking and reduced braking efficiency. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, a thorough age‑related inspection is advisable. Test the 12‑volt battery under load and check the electrolyte level if it is a conventional lead‑acid unit; a weak battery often shows reduced cranking speed or dimming lights on start‑up after long storage. Inspect all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and look for signs of water ingress or sludge, as fluids degrade over time even when the car is not driven. Examine the brake discs for surface rust or scoring; light surface rust can be cleared by a short drive, but deep pitting will cause brake shudder. Check the suspension bushings, ball joints and tie‑rod ends for any cracking, looseness or excessive play, especially if the car has been parked for extended periods. Verify that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended time‑based component replacements, and ask for receipts for recent tyre, brake or suspension work. A careful visual and auditory inspection, combined with a short test‑drive listening for clunks, vibrations or uneven braking, will give a clear picture of whether the Fiesta remains mechanically sound for continued ownership.