2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · RJ59 LVW

The 2009 Ford Fiesta presents a stable and reassuring maintenance trend, with the most recent MOT conducted on 11 August 2025 at 61,572 miles passing cleanly with zero defects recorded. This marks the fifth consecutive annual test outcome showing no advisories or failures, indicating consistent mechanical upkeep across multiple years. The vehicle has remained fully roadworthy without any recurring faults, suggesting attentive ownership and no underlying deterioration in core systems. The mileage accumulation tells a clear story of very light use. Between the August 2022 test at 52,098 miles and the August 2025 test at 61,572 miles, the car covered just 9,474 miles over three years, averaging roughly 3,158 miles annually. The 2024 test history reveals an anomaly: a failed test on 5 August 2024 at 58,259 miles was followed by a retest pass just four days later on 9 August 2024 at 58,318 miles, with no defects recorded on either occasion. This 59-mile gap between tests suggests the initial failure may have been an administrative or procedural issue rather than a mechanical fault, and the rapid retest confirms nothing substantive was wrong. Overall, the low annual mileage of approximately 3,622 miles across the vehicle's 17-year lifespan is well below typical usage, which generally benefits the drivetrain and reduces wear on consumables, though prolonged periods of inactivity can introduce its own concerns. Despite the clean MOT record, a buyer should still conduct a thorough physical inspection. Low-mileage vehicles that stand for extended periods can develop seized brake calipers, perished rubber suspension bushes, and corroded exhaust components that may not manifest during a stationary MOT test. The front suspension lower arms and rear beam bushes on Fiesta models of this era are known to deteriorate with age regardless of mileage, so these should be checked for cracking or play. Tyre condition deserves attention too; even with legal tread depth, tyres over five years old can suffer from sidewall perishing, and the record shows no evidence of tyre-related advisories, meaning replacements may have been infrequent. Underneath, inspect the subframe and sill areas for corrosion, as structural rust can develop on older Fiestas even with gentle use. The braking system should be road-tested for pulling or binding, since caliper seizure is common on vehicles that sit idle. The exhaust system, particularly the rear silencer, should be examined for corrosion holes that could cause emissions failure at the next test. A clean MOT history is encouraging, but it does not substitute for a hands-on mechanical inspection, especially on a vehicle of this age where age-related degradation can quietly accumulate between annual tests.