2009 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · OY09 VBJ

The most recent MOT inspection on 11 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance profile shows a concerning trend toward escalating structural and corrosion-related issues. While the 2025 test was clean, the latest results indicate a significant increase in advisories concerning the underside of the vehicle, specifically regarding the exhaust system, all four coil springs, and the brake pipes. This shift suggests that the vehicle is entering a period of accelerated degradation where multiple components are reaching the end of their serviceable life simultaneously. The history of recurring advisories for suspension components and brake discs indicates that while the car remains roadworthy, it is requiring increasingly frequent attention to mitigate the effects of age and environmental exposure. With approximately 101,803 miles recorded over 17 years, this Ford Fiesta has averaged roughly 6,000 miles per year. This is considered low annual mileage, which often suggests a vehicle that has spent significant periods stationary or has been used primarily for short, local trips. While lower mileage can imply less wear on the engine and transmission, it often leads to other mechanical issues such as fluid degradation, seal drying, and corrosion from moisture accumulation. In this specific case, the low usage pattern is consistent with the documented corrosion issues found on the brake pipes, exhaust, and coil springs, as vehicles that do not see regular, high-speed motorway use are more susceptible to surface rust and component seizure due to lack of heat cycles and exposure to road salt. A prospective buyer must be extremely cautious regarding the underside of this vehicle. The advisory for corroded brake pipes covered in grease is a particular red flag, as the grease can sometimes be used to mask the severity of the corrosion. You should inspect the brake lines for any signs of bubbling or thinning, as a failure here would lead to a sudden loss of braking pressure. Furthermore, the advisory stating that all four coil springs are corroded is a serious matter; corroded springs are prone to sudden snapping, which can cause significant handling instability or damage to the suspension strut. During your test drive, listen closely for any metallic clunking or knocking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces, which would indicate that the spring corrosion or the previously noted suspension bush wear has progressed to a point of mechanical failure. Additional attention should be paid to the braking system and the drivetrain. The history of pitted and scored brake discs suggests that the calipers may be prone to sticking or that the vehicle is being driven in conditions that accelerate oxidation. Check for any brake shudder or pulling to one side during deceleration. You should also investigate the offside front drive shaft support bearing, which was noted as noisy in 2020, to ensure the issue has not resurfaced as a rhythmic vibration or humming through the floorpan. Given the low mileage and age, verify that the service history includes regular oil and coolant changes regardless of distance, as time-based degradation of fluids is a high risk for a vehicle with this usage profile. Finally, inspect the tyres for sidewall cracking or perishing, which is common in older vehicles that have stood for extended periods.