2002 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · PF52 XYE

The vehicle presents a concerning pattern of recurring safety-critical failures, most notably regarding structural integrity and braking systems. The January 2026 record documents a dangerous failure due to excessive corrosion on the rear outer sills, which were recorded as holed, followed by a separate failure that month concerning the engine malfunction indicator light. Despite a subsequent pass on 30 January 2026, the history reveals a vehicle that has struggled with brake pipe corrosion, worn suspension components, and fluid leaks over the last three years, suggesting a recent period of mechanical instability rather than stable roadworthiness. With a recorded mileage of 50,198 miles over approximately 24 years, the vehicle has accumulated an average of roughly 2,092 miles per year, indicating light usage. However, the low mileage does not correlate with a clean mechanical record, as the frequent advisories on brake pipes and suspension components suggest either prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions or a lack of preventative maintenance. The recurring issues with brake pipe corrosion and suspension leaks, despite the low annual accumulation, point towards potential neglect rather than simply heavy wear. Prospective buyers must scrutinise the rear structural integrity immediately, as the DVSA records confirm dangerous corrosion on the outer sills that has progressed to holes, compromising the vehicle's chassis strength. The history of corroded rear brake pipes, noted in 2024 and 2025, requires immediate visual inspection under the vehicle to ensure no leaks or blockages exist, as this is a critical safety hazard. On the test drive, listen for any hissing sounds from the steering rack area, which has been flagged for leaks, and check for play in the steering wheel or looseness over bumps, specifically targeting the track rod ends and inner joints that have shown slight play in recent tests. Furthermore, the advisory regarding inner tyre wear on the front wheels suggests potential alignment issues or suspension geometry problems that should be verified by a professional alignment check. The engine malfunction indicator light failure recorded in January 2026 requires diagnostic scanning to identify the underlying cause, as this system is critical for monitoring engine health. Finally, verify the functionality of the windscreen washer system and ensure the registration plate lighting is fully operational, as these minor defects were recurring failures across multiple test dates.