2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · SE08 VWS

The roadworthiness of this vehicle is currently critical and shows a worsening trend regarding structural integrity. While the car passed previous tests, the most recent inspection in September 2022 at 87,774 miles resulted in a comprehensive failure involving multiple dangerous defects. The tester identified the front sub-frame as corroded and seriously weakened at the lower suspension arm mountings. This represents a significant step down from the surface corrosion noted in earlier years to a structural failure that renders the vehicle unsafe to drive. The mileage profile is notably low for an eighteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 4,800 miles per year. However, there is a concerning gap in recorded data between August 2021 at 80,175 miles and September 2022 at 87,774 miles. The low annual usage suggests the car may have sat for long periods, which often contributes to the accelerated oxidation and structural corrosion observed on the chassis and suspension components. Lack of regular use does not protect the vehicle from the degradation of metal components over two decades. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the entire underside and sub-frames to determine the extent of the rust. The history shows a recurring pattern of corrosion starting with the brake pipes and sub-frames in 2018, which escalated to serious structural weakening by 2022. Attention should also be paid to the suspension geometry, specifically the offside track rod end and the drive shaft bearing, which were flagged as serious risks. Given that the last recorded MOT was nearly four years ago, the vehicle is likely long out of test and in a state of further neglect. The 2022 failure for a structural tyre bulge and a bald front tyre indicates a lack of basic preventative maintenance. Without documented evidence that the major structural repairs to the front sub-frame and all associated suspension components have been professionally addressed and verified, this vehicle represents a high mechanical risk.