2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · SC10 SSJ

The most recent MOT, carried out on 14 March 2024, was a pass but it was accompanied by several advisories – an oil leak from the driveshaft seal, extensive surface corrosion on the underside of the vehicle, front brake pads approaching the minimum thickness and corrosion of the fuel pipe. Over the past six years the Fiesta has alternated between passes and failures, with serious items such as a severely binding rear brake, worn front suspension ball joint and brake‑cable insecurity appearing in 2020‑2022. Although the latest test succeeded, the accumulation of recurring corrosion, brake‑system and drivetrain advisories indicates a maintenance picture that is not improving and is trending towards greater remedial work. At 170,853 miles the car has logged roughly 10,600 miles per year since its 2010 build, a usage rate that sits squarely within normal UK averages. There are no obvious periods of very low mileage that would suggest long storage, nor any spikes that would point to unusually harsh duty. The mileage therefore aligns with the age‑related wear you would expect on suspension bushings, engine bearings and drivetrain components, and it reinforces the need to verify that consumables have been replaced in line with the mileage milestones. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the underside for any active oil seepage around the driveshaft seal and for signs of rust progressing beyond the surface corrosion noted in the MOT. Examine the fuel pipe for any cracking or flaking, as corrosion here can lead to fuel leaks and fire risk. The front brake pads should be measured – they are already thin and may need replacement soon, and any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes could indicate the binding rear brake that was flagged in 2022. Listen for clunking or looseness when turning the steering wheel, a symptom of the reported play in the steering rack inner joints, and check that the steering feels solid without excessive free play. Inspect the front sub‑frame for any deep pitting or structural weakening beyond the cosmetic corrosion recorded, and verify that the suspension ball joints and control arm bushings are free of excessive wear, especially on the nearside where a ball joint failure was previously recorded. Finally, confirm that the brake pipe is clean and free of grease or corrosion, and that the brake fluid is clear and at the correct level. Given the car’s age, also scrutinise the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry rot, as time‑related perishing can occur even on low‑mileage tyres. Test the 12‑volt battery voltage and look for any signs of sulfation, especially if the vehicle has spent periods idle. Verify that the coolant, gearbox and power‑steering fluids have been changed within the recommended intervals, as calendar degradation can cause overheating or erratic shifting. A full service history with stamps for major items such as brake pad, disc and suspension component replacement will give confidence that the Fiesta has been kept to a sensible maintenance regime despite the recurring MOT advisories.