2002 Ford Fiesta 1.3L Petrol · RF52 FWH

The 2002 Ford Fiesta’s most recent MOT test on 2024-02-15—just 2 years and 5 months ago at 112,426 miles—confirms it passed with no defects. However, the pattern of two consecutive failures in early 2024 (112,165 and 112,426 miles) and a similar cycle in early 2023 (92,296 and 92,851 miles) suggests a lack of proactive maintenance rather than a worsening mechanical trend. The absence of recorded defects in any test implies no serious recurring faults, but the repeated failures at nearly identical mileages—just 261 miles apart—raise suspicion of test-day issues, such as minor brake pad wear or tyre tread thresholds being narrowly missed. The vehicle’s structural integrity has not been challenged by advisories, but the irregular test dates (spanning 12–13 months between tests) indicate inconsistent servicing. The recorded mileage of 112,426 miles over 24 years equates to roughly 4,684 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gaps between tests—particularly the 13-month span between the 2022 and 2023 tests—align with the low mileage, suggesting prolonged periods of inactivity rather than regular use. Such low annual mileage increases the risk of degraded components from stagnation, such as seized suspension joints, corroded wheel bearings, or degraded fuel system residues. The lack of mileage progression between failures (e.g., 92,296 to 92,851 miles) further implies the vehicle was not driven consistently, potentially masking underlying wear. Given the absence of recorded defects, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of suspension components—particularly rear suspension bushes and coil springs—due to their susceptibility to dry rot over long periods of inactivity. The repeated near-failures on MOTs could hint at marginal brake pad thickness or uneven tyre wear, so caliper binding, disc runout, and tyre condition should be checked. Corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe is a critical concern for a vehicle this age, especially if it has spent time off-road or in damp conditions. The engine bay should be examined for leaks, degraded hoses, or signs of prolonged neglect, such as oil sludge or coolant degradation. While the MOT record suggests no catastrophic failures, these areas demand close scrutiny to confirm the vehicle has been stored or driven responsibly.