2008 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · SH08 EBJ

The vehicle is currently in an unroadworthy state with a worsening mechanical and structural degradation trend. The most recent test on 20 February 2026 at 85,205 miles resulted in a failure due to imbalanced rear brakes, a leaking steering rack, and significant component corrosion. While the car passed in previous years, the transition from minor advisories to critical failures in the braking and steering-related systems indicates that underlying issues have not been addressed and are now reaching a point of failure. At 18 years old, the recorded mileage of 85,205 miles is notably low, averaging approximately 4,734 miles per year. While low mileage often correlates with less engine wear, this vehicle shows a pattern of age-related decay. Between February 2024 (77,373 miles) and February 2026 (85,205 miles), the vehicle covered only 7,832 miles, yet the structural and mechanical components deteriorated from simple advisories to total failures of the brake pipes and ball joints. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity, as the record consistently flags corrosion on the front sub-frame and integral body structure. The February 2025 failure specifically highlighted a sill with significantly reduced structural strength at the offside rear mounting area, which is a serious safety concern. The recurring presence of corroded brake pipes across all axles, often masked by grease, suggests a lack of preventative maintenance that has now led to leaking valves and total system failure. Mechanical attention is also urgently required for the steering rack, which is currently leaking, and the front suspension. The tester identified an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint in the most recent 2026 test, following years of play in the steering linkage joints noted back to 2023. Given the history of persistent rust on coil springs and de-icing-related components, the vehicle likely requires a complete overhaul of its suspension and braking systems to be considered reliable for road use.