2004 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · PE04 KLP

A recurring theme across the MOT record is the persistence of oil‑leak advisories and progressive wear on the rear suspension arm bushes, compounded by a historic exhaust leak that caused a failure in 2020; the latest test on 16 April 2026 was passed but still flagged an oil leak, tyre damage and slight wear on rear axle swivel pins, confirming that the vehicle remains road‑worthy but carries a pattern of age‑related wear that has not yet escalated to a failure. At 98 361 mi the car averages roughly 4 500 mi per year, well below the typical usage for a 22‑year‑old model, which suggests relatively light duty or periods of inactivity. The annual MOT schedule shows no significant gaps, indicating the vehicle has been regularly inspected, yet the low mileage does not preclude age‑related deterioration of rubber components, corrosion of mounting points or fatigue in the chassis that can arise independent of distance travelled. Prospective buyers should inspect the source of the oil leak noted each year – look for fresh oil stains on the sump, valve cover or front‑engine seals and verify that the leak does not worsen under engine load. The rear suspension arm pins and bushes have been marked as “worn but not resulting in excessive movement” for four consecutive years; a thorough check for play when pushing on the rear wheels, listening for clunking over bumps and feeling for uneven tyre wear will reveal whether the wear has progressed. The near‑ and off‑side front and rear tyres were each flagged for cracking or approaching the legal tread limit, so a visual inspection for sidewall bulges, tread depth below 1.6 mm and any irregular wear patterns is essential before committing. The 2020 failure highlighted a large hole in the exhaust back‑box and an out‑of‑spec Lambda reading, which, although cleared in subsequent tests, warrants a careful audit of the exhaust system for rust, cracks or loose connections that could reignite emissions issues or trigger the MIL. During a test drive, listen for hissing or rattling from the exhaust, monitor the dashboard for any illumination of the MIL, and assess whether the steering remains steady without pull, which could indicate lingering sub‑frame pin wear. Addressing any active leaks, confirming the integrity of the suspension bushings and ensuring the tyres are within legal limits will be key steps to secure a mechanically sound purchase.