2009 Ford Fiesta Style 82 1.2L Petrol · SA09 LLN

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 March 2025 recorded a PASS with no defects or advisories noted, which is the single clean outcome within the last twelve months. Prior to this, the vehicle failed on 7 March 2025 and again on 23 February 2025, although both failures are listed without recorded defect categories, meaning the items were either rectified or resulted in a partial pass condition that was subsequently addressed. The fact that the vehicle returned to a clean pass shortly after two consecutive failures suggests a reactive maintenance approach rather than a gradual decline in mechanical condition. With the earlier 2024 and 2022 tests both passing without advisories, the longer-term trend is broadly stable, although the cluster of failures in early 2025 warrants some caution and a closer inspection of what was replaced to ensure the rectification was thorough. The recorded mileage of 115,088 against a 2009 registration equates to an annual usage of approximately 6,770 miles, which is typical for a vehicle of this age but sits at the lower end of average. Such modest annual mileage is consistent with a car used predominantly for short urban journeys rather than sustained motorway running, which has particular mechanical implications. Short-trip use tends to promote moisture accumulation within the engine oil, accelerated corrosion on underbody and exhaust components, and uneven wear on brake discs and pads due to infrequent high-temperature operation. The MOT history shows a notable gap between the 2022 test and the 2024 test, which may indicate a period of reduced use, garage storage, or simply the biennial exemption threshold, but it is worth confirming continuous maintenance during that window. Given the relatively sparse defect history, the prospective buyer should focus on age and usage-related deterioration rather than chasing specific component failures. The tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and a seventeen-year-old Fiesta on original-equipment-age tyres would merit replacement even with legal tread remaining. Brake discs should be inspected for surface corrosion and lipping, and the calipers should be checked for free operation, since low-mileage cars that stand for extended periods are prone to binding calipers and pitted scoring on the disc friction surfaces. Similarly, the 12V battery is likely due for replacement given its age, and a load test or voltage check is advisable before purchase. Fluid servicing should be verified through the service book, with particular attention to engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the manual transmission or automatic gearbox fluid where applicable, as these degrade over time irrespective of mileage. Coolant should be changed at the manufacturer-recommended interval to prevent internal corrosion of the radiator and heater matrix, while brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture over a three to five year period, reducing braking performance and causing ABS component corrosion. The exhaust system, including the catalyst and rear silencer, should be physically inspected for internal corrosion and blowing joints, particularly given the vehicle's age and the likelihood of short journeys. Finally, the suspension should be tested on a road drive, listening for knocking or clonking from worn bushes, drop links, and anti-roll bar mountings, and the steering checked for vagueness or clonks that may indicate worn tie bar ends or power steering rack wear.