2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · RO57 WDZ

The vehicle remains roadworthy as of its most recent MOT on 2022-05-10, but the maintenance trend shows a clear deterioration in recent years. While the 2022 test passed, it flagged multiple wear-related and structural issues — notably front tyres near legal limit, corroding rear axle, and a minor exhaust leak — all of which suggest deferred attention to routine wear items. The 2021 test also passed despite both front tyres being perished, indicating a pattern of tolerating significant tyre degradation rather than proactive replacement. There is no evidence of improvement in the last four years; instead, the frequency of minor but persistent faults — corrosion, exhaust leaks, and tyre wear — points to a steady decline in upkeep. Mileage progression from 2016 to 2022 shows a consistent annual average of roughly 6,000 miles, which is typical for a 19-year-old vehicle. The jump from 100,607 miles in May 2016 to 105,064 miles in May 2021 — a 4,457-mile increase over five years — suggests moderate usage, with no signs of sudden or excessive mileage accumulation. The 2022 test recorded 115,151 miles, meaning the vehicle covered just over 10,000 miles in the final four years, which is reasonable for its age. There are no gaps in the record that suggest long-term neglect or sudden heavy use; the data is consistent and unremarkable in terms of mileage pacing. Buyers should inspect the rear axle and suspension components closely, as corrosion was noted in 2022 and has likely worsened since. The front tyres were near legal limit in 2022, and both front tyres were perished in 2021 — a strong indicator that tyre replacement has been delayed, which may affect handling and safety. The exhaust leak, while minor, should be checked for structural integrity and potential emissions impact. Brakes and suspension bushes should be examined for wear, as no brake-related failures were recorded but binding calipers or worn coil springs are common in vehicles of this age and mileage. The windscreen wiper issues in 2016 were resolved by 2021, suggesting some attention to optics and visibility, but the persistent tyre and corrosion issues reveal a lack of consistent mechanical care. The vehicle’s mechanical condition reflects a pattern of reactive rather than preventive maintenance. While it has passed MOTs, the recurring issues — particularly tyre wear, corrosion, and exhaust leaks — indicate that the previous owner prioritised keeping it running over addressing underlying wear. A buyer should budget for immediate tyre replacement, a thorough inspection of the rear axle and suspension, and a full brake system check. The 115,151-mile reading is not excessive for its age, but the maintenance history suggests the car has not been kept to a high standard. Proceed with caution and consider a pre-purchase inspection to verify the condition of critical structural and safety components.