2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · RF10 SSJ

The vehicle carries a current DVSA MOT pass dated 9 April 2026, having been presented just eight days after an earlier test on 1 April 2026 that was failed without any defects being recorded in the system. This is an unusual administrative pattern, as failures without defect entries typically indicate that the vehicle could not be put forward for a full examination, often due to documentation issues, outstanding previous failure items, or a vehicle presented in a condition that prevented proper testing rather than a genuine mechanical problem. With no specific component reasons published, this should be clarified with the seller by requesting a copy of the VT30 refusal notice or evidence of how the failure was resolved. Prior to this, the Fiesta recorded three consecutive passes in February 2023, February 2024, and March 2025, all entirely free of advisories, which suggests a generally sound mechanical trajectory for the remainder of the recorded history. With 168,762 miles accumulated over approximately sixteen years, this Fiesta is recording around 10,548 miles annually, a figure broadly representative for its age and one that is neither excessively low nor indicative of punishing high-mileage use. The MOT record does not contain individual odometer readings, so it is not possible to confirm whether the mileage has been accrued consistently or whether there have been significant gaps, but the annual progression remains plausible. Given the overall mileage, the engine, transmission, and clutch assemblies have clearly been worked hard, and whilst modern small-capacity petrol units such as the Fiesta's 1.25 or 1.4 can reach this figure without major intervention, attention should be directed towards the timing chain, auxiliary drive belts, and any signs of oil consumption or coolant loss that develop with extended use. Given the cleanliness of the recorded MOT history and the absence of advisories, there are no specific recurring defects to chase through the documentation. Instead, buyer diligence should focus on age- and mileage-related deterioration that falls outside the MOT inspection regime. Tyres should be examined carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and a sixteen-year-old car may still be running perished tyres that passed the test on tread alone. The braking system warrants close inspection for corroded or scored brake discs, particularly those that have suffered from infrequent heavy use, and for any signs of binding calipers that can cause uneven pad wear or pulling under braking. The exhaust system, given the vehicle's age, is highly susceptible to corrosion at the mounting points, flexi section, and rear silencer, and should be physically inspected rather than assumed sound. A pre-purchase road test should include careful listening for suspension knocks over uneven surfaces, as the front wishbones, drop links, and anti-roll bar bushes are common wear points on a high-mileage Fiesta and can deteriorate without producing an MOT failure if the play remains within tolerance. Steering should be checked for vagueness or clonks on full lock, which often indicate worn inner tie rod ends. Under the bonnet, the coolant and brake fluid should be assessed for age-related degradation, as these should typically be renewed every two to three years regardless of mileage, and a sixteen-year-old example will almost certainly require fluid servicing. The 12V battery should be load-tested if possible, as original units are long past their service life. Finally, verify the service book stamps and cross-reference them with the MOT mileage progression to confirm genuine maintenance history, and inspect the underside for surface corrosion, paying particular attention to the rear axle, suspension subframes, and brake fuel lines where age-related rust can become a future advisories or failure concern.