2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · OY09 PKC

The most recent MOT test on the 2009 Ford Fiesta, conducted on 2026-04-02, resulted in a clean pass with two advisories—both relating to the near and offside rear tyres showing signs of slight damage, cracking, or perishing. While the overall maintenance trend over the past seven years appears relatively stable, with only minor failures or defects recorded in recent tests, the vehicle did fail in 2021 due to critical issues with the front suspension ball joints and corroded coil springs. The presence of recurring tyre wear advisories, particularly on the rear tyres, suggests either uneven loading or prolonged periods of static use, which can exacerbate tyre degradation over time. The fact that these advisories have persisted since 2021 indicates either a persistent mechanical issue affecting tyre alignment or suspension geometry, or simply the natural ageing of tyres in a vehicle that has not been driven at higher mileage rates. The recorded mileage of 96,508 miles for a vehicle aged 17 years represents an unusually low annual usage rate of approximately 5,677 miles per year, which is far below the typical wear rates expected for a car of this age. Such low mileage could imply either infrequent use, long periods of static storage, or a vehicle maintained in a climate-controlled environment to mitigate wear. However, low mileage alone does not negate the risk of hidden mechanical degradation from standing corrosion, particularly in suspension components like coil springs and ball joints, which were flagged as corroded or failing in previous MOTs. Additionally, prolonged idling can lead to brake system corrosion, binding calipers, or uneven tyre wear patterns, all of which should be thoroughly investigated during inspection. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the suspension system, brakes, and tyres, given the recurring advisories and failure points. Begin with a visual inspection of the front suspension arms, focusing on the ball joints and their dust covers, which were found to be compromised in the 2021 MOT. Listen for unusual clunking or rattling noises when driving over bumps, as this may indicate worn or failing suspension components. Check for uneven tyre wear, particularly on the rear tyres, which could suggest misalignment or suspension issues. Inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion on the brake pipes, which were also noted in the 2021 MOT, and listen for any grinding or squeaking noises when applying the brakes, as this may indicate worn brake pads or binding calipers. Additionally, verify that the coil springs on both the near and offside sides are free of cracks or excessive corrosion, as these can lead to premature failure and compromised ride quality. Beyond the mechanical checks, the vehicle’s low mileage profile necessitates attention to age-related wear and potential standing corrosion. Inspect the tyres for signs of sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur even with low mileage if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods without proper care. Check the battery terminals and cables for corrosion, as prolonged disuse can accelerate battery degradation, leading to poor electrical performance or failure. Verify that all fluids, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, are within their recommended service intervals, as fluids degrade over time regardless of mileage. If the vehicle has a service history, confirm that the last fluid changes were conducted according to Ford’s recommended schedule, particularly for the suspension fluid and coolant, which can degrade significantly over a 17-year period. Finally, consider a professional inspection of the exhaust system to ensure there are no leaks or corrosion, as the low mileage may not have exposed hidden issues that could develop into costly repairs.