2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · OV58 GLK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 11 September 2025, was passed but recorded two advisories – a corroded off‑side front coil spring and slight play in the off‑side front track‑rod end ball joint. Over the last five years the vehicle has moved from a mixture of passes and failures (notably failures for washer function, emissions and brake imbalance in 2024 and 2021) to a clean pass in the latest test, indicating a gradual improvement in maintenance and a reduction in serious faults. The recurring advisories, however, show that some components have been consistently marginal and may need attention before they develop into failures. At 135,508 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 7,500 miles per year, which is typical for a car of its age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would suggest severe wear in a short time, nor are there long gaps that might indicate prolonged storage. The mileage level means that wear items such as suspension bushings, ball joints, brake pads and discs, and tyre tread will be well into their service lives, and the vehicle will have accumulated a substantial amount of age‑related degradation in addition to mileage‑related wear. The most frequent defects relate to the front and rear coil springs, which have been noted as corroded on several occasions. Corrosion can weaken the spring steel and lead to a loss of ride height, uneven tyre wear and a characteristic clunk when the suspension compresses. Inspect the springs for visible rust, cracks or distortion and check that the ride height is consistent front to rear. The off‑side front track‑rod end ball joint and the front suspension arm ball joints have been flagged for slight play; these should be examined for excessive movement when the wheel is rocked and for any knocking noises during cornering. Any looseness may progress to joint failure, causing steering wander or uneven tyre wear. The tyre advisories – a cut on the off‑side front tyre and perishing on the rear – should be verified by a thorough visual inspection of tread depth, sidewall integrity and any signs of cracking; replace any tyre that shows more than 2 mm tread remaining or any sidewall damage. The near‑side front wheel was recorded as badly distorted in 2021; ensure the rim is true by spinning the wheel and looking for wobble, and check for vibration at higher speeds. Brake imbalance was noted in both 2021 and 2024; a test drive should reveal any pulling to one side, pulsation or uneven pad wear, and the brake discs should be examined for scoring or excessive rust that could affect braking efficiency. Beyond the specific items, age‑related checks are essential. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery – a load test will confirm its capacity, especially after many years of possible standing. Examine all fluid levels and consider a full change of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid, as these degrade over time even if the car has not been driven heavily. The windscreen washer system failed in 2024; confirm that the pump, hoses and nozzles are functional and that there is no leakage. Finally, inspect the exhaust system for rust or holes that could have contributed to the emissions failure, and listen for any unusual rattles that might indicate a cracked pipe. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the Fiesta’s current roadworthiness and any imminent maintenance that a prospective buyer should budget for.