2003 Ford Fusion 1.4L Petrol · RK52 JDZ

The vehicle remains technically roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift from clean passes to emerging mechanical wear. The most recent test in November 2025 at 87,873 miles secured a pass despite a persistent advisory for a slightly noisy nearside rear wheel bearing. This issue was first noted during the December 2024 test, indicating that while the component is degrading, it has not yet reached a point of mechanical failure or seizure. At 23 years old, the recorded mileage of 87,873 miles represents an average usage of approximately 3,800 miles per year. This low annual mileage suggests the car was used sparingly, which can often lead to accelerated aging of rubber components and seals despite low mechanical wear. Between October 2023 and December 2024, the vehicle covered over 9,000 miles, a period that saw all four tyres drop to the 2mm legal limit. This sudden spike in wear across all axles suggests either a lack of preventative replacement or an alignment issue during that specific interval. A buyer must prioritize inspecting the nearside rear wheel bearing to determine the extent of the play, as the fault has persisted across two consecutive inspections. The previous report of uneven tyre wear in 2024 also warrants a thorough check of the suspension bushes and geometry to ensure no further premature scrubbing occurs. Given the age of the Ford Fusion, a physical inspection of the structural integrity, specifically the sills and wing arches, is essential, as the MOT record does not account for surface corrosion until it becomes a failure point.