2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · RB03 DUD

The 2008 Ford Fiesta has presented a mixed reliability picture across its MOT history, with several instances of failure interspersed among passes. The latest test on 2026-08-26 resulted in a pass despite retaining advising items including rear registration plate deterioration and persistent front service brake binding. Earlier in the calendar year there was a more serious failure on 2024-10-07 involving worn front tyres near their legal limit and a bulging structure on the nearside front tyre, accompanied by rear wheel bearing noise. After returning to a clean record in May 2025, the vehicle suffered another failure in August 2026 before achieving its current passing status. This pattern indicates that while the car currently meets the MOT standard, specific subsystem weaknesses have recurred throughout its ownership. The recorded mileage of 130,164 miles on an eighteen-year-old vehicle averages approximately 7,200 miles per year, which falls within the typical range for its age and usage profile. The MOT testing schedule shows regular intervals through 2024-2026, with no prolonged lay-up periods that would suggest storage-related degradation. However, the timing of the failures aligns with the latter part of ownership: the 2024-10-07 failure preceded the next MOT by nearly nine months, and the August 2026 failure occurred just before the most recent pass. This sequence suggests that the majority of measurable wear accumulated toward the end of the vehicle's life, particularly affecting the braking system and suspension components, even though the total odometer reading remains consistent with moderate daily use. The front service brake binding reported in both the August 2026 pass and the October 2024 failure warrants careful attention during a test drive, as the driver should notice any uneven braking force or pulling sensation when decelerating, especially on descents where maximum braking demand occurs. The rear registration plate deterioration noted on multiple occasions may point to underlying chassis or bodywork stress, so inspecting the mounting points and surrounding areas for signs of rust, delamination, or loose fasteners is advisable. Additionally, the nearside front position lamp failure (categorised under 4.2.1 (a)(ii)) must be confirmed as non-functional before acceptance, and the bulging front tyre from the October 2024 failure requires verification that the sidewall has not delaminated or the bead has separated from the rim, as this could compromise lateral stability. Given the documented electrical and lighting failures alongside the brake and suspension issues, a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the brake calipers and lines, rear subframe condition, and all exterior and interior warning indicators is essential. Listen for any clicking or grinding sounds when rotating the wheels manually, as the rear wheel bearing noise reported in October 2024 may indicate ongoing play in the rear axle assembly. The high mileage combined with these specific failure patterns makes physical examination of the suspension bushings and control arm mounts particularly important, as they are prone to compressing or cracking with extensive driving. Should the buyer proceed, arranging a post-MOT detailed inspection covering the braking system, suspension geometry, and wheel bearings will help determine whether the recent pass represents genuine repairs or merely temporary remediation of previously identified defects.