2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · SA09 LGC

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2009 Ford Fiesta, conducted on 17 November 2025, returned a Pass with no defects or advisories recorded. This is a positive immediate indicator, particularly given the vehicle's age. However, it is worth noting that the same vehicle failed an MOT just three days earlier on 14 November 2025, although no specific defects were recorded against that entry. Such a short gap between a fail and a subsequent pass typically suggests that a minor rectification was carried out to bring the car up to standard, rather than indicating a chronic underlying fault. Looking at the broader history, the Fiesta has passed its annual tests consecutively from 2022 through 2025 without recorded advisories, which suggests a stable and consistent maintenance trajectory rather than a pattern of deterioration. With a recorded mileage of 87,894 miles over an approximate seventeen-year lifespan, this Fiesta has covered an average of around 5,170 miles annually, which is notably below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age. While low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain and engine components, it introduces a different set of age-related concerns. Prolonged periods of standing or infrequent use can lead to fluid degradation, oxidation of internal components, and surface corrosion on items that rely on regular operation to remain serviceable. The buyer should therefore view the odometer reading as indicative of calendar-aged wear rather than purely mechanical wear, and adjust their inspection priorities accordingly. Given the clean advisory record but the vehicle's considerable age and low usage profile, a prospective buyer should focus their physical inspection on components most susceptible to time-related deterioration. Tyres warrant particular attention: even if the tread depth remains above the legal minimum of 1.6mm, sidewalls on a seventeen-year-old vehicle are prone to perishing and cracking, which can compromise structural integrity and lead to premature failure. The 12V battery should be tested for its ability to hold charge, as units of this age frequently lose cranking performance, especially after periods of inactivity. Brake discs and calipers that have seen minimal use may exhibit surface corrosion or binding, so the buyer should check for uneven pad wear, stiffness in caliper slide pins, and any scoring or lipping on the disc friction surfaces. A test drive should include firm brake applications to confirm straight-line stopping without pull, shudder, or pedal pulsation. Beyond the braking system, the underbonnet and underbody areas should be carefully examined for fluid leaks, perished hoses, and the condition of ancillary drive belts, all of which degrade with age regardless of mileage. Service history verification is essential: check that Cambelt or timing belt replacement has been performed according to Ford's recommended intervals for the 1.25 or 1.4 litre engines commonly fitted to this model, as failure of this component can result in catastrophic engine damage. Brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil should be assessed for condition rather than merely level, as all three degrade chemically over time and require periodic replacement regardless of use. Finally, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion, particularly at mounting points and joints, and verify that the catalyst remains in situ and intact, as its absence would constitute an MOT failure. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician remains the most prudent course of action for any vehicle of this vintage, regardless of how favourable the MOT history appears.