2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · SD10 ABF

A pattern of recurring front-end wear, evolving suspension deterioration, and a recent cluster of lighting and exhaust failures defines the mechanical picture of this 2010 Ford Fiesta. Across the recorded MOT history, the vehicle has accumulated multiple advisories concerning steering and suspension components, including play in the steering rack inner joints, worn anti-roll bar ball joints and linkages, and a track rod end ball joint with slight play. Two failures in July 2025, three days apart, centre on headlamp defects and exhaust Lambda sensor readings, with both dipped-beam headlamps failing to operate and aim checks impossible due to bulb condition. A previous failure in March 2022 included a dangerous tyre defect where the nearside front tread was below 1.6mm with secondary rubber exposed, alongside an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on the inner edge. The 2023 test record also flagged a corroded front subframe and corroded fuel pipes, both of which warrant close structural and safety inspection. The recorded mileage of 115,939 miles across sixteen years equates to roughly 7,246 miles per year, a broadly typical annual accumulation for a car of this age. The MOT history shows annual testing from 2021 onwards, with no extended gaps or dormant periods that would suggest prolonged standing. The relatively continuous testing pattern combined with moderate annual mileage is consistent with regular commuter or everyday use, meaning wear items such as brake discs, pads, suspension bushes, tyres, and exhaust components have been subjected to steady but not extreme service life. However, the pattern of advisories relating to bushes, ball joints, and steering components accumulating year on year indicates progressive mechanical fatigue rather than a one-off replacement event. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension and steering assemblies should be the primary focus of any inspection. The recurring advisories on the offside front track rod end, anti-roll bar ball joints and linkages, and steering rack inner joints mean the offside front corner in particular warrants a thorough check. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed humps or uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness, rattle, or slack through the steering wheel, particularly when turning lock to lock. Excess travel in the brake pedal was also noted in 2025, so the brake pedal should be pressed firmly with the engine running to check for a spongy feel, low pedal reserve, or any further sinking under foot pressure. Inspect the offside front tyre inner edge closely for uneven wear, as this was flagged in 2022 and can reappear if camber or suspension geometry has deteriorated. The advisories regarding the corroded front subframe and corroded fuel pipes from the 2023 tests require particular attention. A torch and mirror inspection underneath the vehicle is advisable to assess the extent of subframe corrosion and to check fuel pipe integrity along its run, as corrosion in these areas can progress significantly between tests. The braking system should be examined for binding calipers, corroded brake pipes, and disc condition given the vehicle's age and mileage, with a focus on the rear subframe pin or bush wear recorded in 2021. Finally, the cluster of recent lighting failures suggests the headlamp wiring, connectors, and bulb holders should be inspected for corrosion or looseness, while the Lambda sensor failure indicates the catalyst and exhaust system warrant a check for upstream leaks or deterioration. Any signs of diesel-like smell, unusual exhaust note, or illumination of the engine management warning lamp during the inspection should prompt further investigation.