2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · PO58 XKL

The 2008 Ford Fiesta’s most recent MOT test on 17 March 2026—just four months ago—resulted in a failure, though no specific defects were recorded. This marks the third consecutive failure in the last year, all occurring within a narrow mileage band (106,658 to 108,084 miles) between September 2023 and March 2026. While the absence of defect details is unusual, the pattern suggests either a prolonged period of non-use followed by a rushed or improper pre-test preparation, or a systematic oversight in addressing minor issues that escalated into MOT failures. The lack of advisories in any of these tests implies no critical components were overlooked, but the repeated failures raise questions about whether the vehicle was driven to the test or merely moved for inspection. The recorded mileage of 108,084 miles over 18 years equates to an average of approximately 6,000 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the MOT history reveals a significant gap between the 2022 test (105,062 miles) and the first failure in September 2023 (106,658 miles), indicating the vehicle was likely stationary for over a year prior to that date. This extended period of inactivity could contribute to accelerated wear on components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers upon resumption of use. The subsequent rapid accumulation of just 1,426 miles between the September 2023 and December 2023 failures suggests either a short test-to-test interval or repeated attempts to pass without addressing underlying issues. Given the lack of defect specifics, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension system, particularly the rear suspension bushes and coil springs, which are common failure points on this model at this mileage. The repeated failures also warrant checking for binding rear brakes, which often go unnoticed until they become a test failure, and assessing the condition of the exhaust system for leaks or corrosion, especially if the vehicle was stored for extended periods. Structural integrity should be scrutinised for signs of rust in wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, as prolonged non-use can exacerbate moisture-related deterioration. Finally, the condition of the tyres and their tread depth should be verified, as the absence of advisories in prior tests does not guarantee they have been maintained consistently.