2002 Ford Fiesta 1.3L Petrol · SF52 XHU

The 2002 Ford Fiesta presents a stable roadworthiness record over its most recent MOT cycles, with the January 2025 tests—both passed and failed—showing no defects at all, despite the failure likely stemming from administrative or minor paperwork issues rather than mechanical concerns. The absence of advisories or defects across the past four annual tests, including the December 2023 and December 2021 entries, suggests the vehicle has been maintained consistently enough to avoid major failures. However, the lack of any recorded advisories also means there’s no clear indication of proactive maintenance beyond what’s legally required. The most recent MOT, just six months ago, confirms the car met all DVSA thresholds for safety and emissions, but the absence of mileage progression between the two January 2025 tests—both at 105,421 miles—raises questions about whether the vehicle has been driven at all since then. The Fiesta’s mileage of 105,421 miles over 24 years equates to roughly 4,393 miles annually, which is unusually low for its age and implies either very light use or prolonged periods of inactivity. The recorded mileage increments are also unusually small: just 4,641 miles between December 2021 and December 2023, and another 5,215 miles from December 2023 to January 2025. This slow accumulation could indicate the car was stored for extended periods, potentially exacerbating issues like tyre flat-spotting, seized suspension components, or degraded fluids. The lack of mileage movement between the two January 2025 tests further suggests the vehicle may have been off the road entirely in the months leading up to July 2026, which could mask hidden wear or corrosion. For a buyer, the primary focus should be on components most vulnerable to neglect in a low-mileage, intermittently used vehicle. Inspect the suspension for degraded bushes, stiff coil springs, or corrosion in control arms—common issues in Fiestas left unused for long stretches. Check the brakes for binding calipers or seized pistons, as moisture ingress can occur even without driving. Tyres should be examined closely for uneven wear or dry rot, given the slow mileage accumulation may have masked tread degradation. The exhaust system, particularly the silencer and mounts, should be checked for rust or detachment, while the underbody should be scrutinised for structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches and sills. Finally, verify all fluids—brake, coolant, and power steering—are fresh, as stagnation can lead to failure in critical systems.