2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · PK09 DZO

The 2009 Ford Fiesta holds a valid MOT certificate issued on 9 May 2025 at 165,637 miles, but the maintenance trend is not reassuring. The most recent test passed with only a minor advisory for a damaged offside front obligatory mirror, yet the preceding attempt on 28 April 2025 at 165,630 miles failed on a critical suspension defect and a structural concern. The offside front suspension arm ball joint was flagged as likely to become detached, a serious risk to steering control, and the offside outer sill was cited for significantly reduced strength or continuity in the seat belt anchorage prescribed area. That structural corrosion finding is particularly significant on a 17-year-old supermini, as it points to possible corrosion load-bearing metalwork rather than mere cosmetic surface rust. The fact that the car passed a week later suggests the ball joint and sill were repaired or replaced, but a buyer should verify exactly what work was carried out and request documentation. The mileage progression tells a story of consistent but slightly declining annual use. Between April 2022 at 141,070 miles and April 2023 at 149,849 miles, the car covered 8,779 miles in twelve months. The following year, from April 2023 to April 2024, it added 8,699 miles, and then from April 2024 to May 2025 it added 7,089 miles. That is a gradual reduction in annual mileage, which may indicate the car is being driven less in recent years, though the overall average of roughly 9,743 miles per year remains typical for the age. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the record, and the mileage progression appears genuine and consistent with the vehicle's age. Recurring advisories and failures point to a pattern of deferred minor maintenance rather than catastrophic neglect. Tyre wear has been flagged multiple times, with both rear tyres worn close to the legal limit in April 2023 and the offside front tyre noted in April 2024, suggesting the previous owner was running tyres to the minimum tread depth rather than replacing them proactively. Minor exhaust gas leaks appeared in both April 2022 and April 2023, indicating a slowly deteriorating exhaust system that may now need attention again given the age of the components. The oil leak advisory from April 2023 was described as not excessive at the time, but on a 17-year-old engine any oil seepage warrants a close inspection of the rocker cover gasket, oil seals, and the condition of the engine underneath for heavier wetness or contamination. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the offside front suspension and sill area where the 2025 failure occurred. Check for fresh welds, underseal patches, or recently replaced ball joints and wishbone arms, and have a body specialist assess the structural integrity of the sill and seat belt anchorage if there is any doubt. Inspect the exhaust system thoroughly for corrosion, particularly at joints and the rear box, and examine all four tyres for uneven or edge wear that could indicate worn suspension bushes or tracking issues. The damaged offside mirror is a minor cosmetic item, but the underlying story of this record is a car that has needed repeated attention to safety-critical components and may now require further investment to remain roadworthy.