2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · SH09 AZY

The vehicle achieved a current MOT pass on 3 July 2026 with no advisories or defects recorded against the test, although a separate submission on the same date failed solely on an insufficient windscreen washer fluid level, which is a trivial maintenance item easily remedied by the seller topping up the reservoir prior to sale. Looking across the available history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but shows a notably weaker 2024 cycle, where the car failed on a dangerous offside front tyre with exposed ply or cords, inoperative hazard warning switch, and non-functional nearside dipped headlamp, alongside advisories for both rear coil springs corroding and a deteriorated front suspension arm ball joint dust cover. The intervening years show genuine improvement, with the most recent test returning a clean sheet, suggesting that the previous advisories have either been addressed or have not progressed to a point of immediate failure. The 2023 test also recorded advisories for slight play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, an inner front tyre worn close to legal limit, a corroded front sub-frame not considered seriously weakened, an insecure battery, and a further deteriorating nearside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover, items which any prospective purchase should still verify have been resolved. Annual mileage on this 2009 Ford Fiesta stands at approximately 7,218 miles, which sits firmly within typical parameters for a seventeen year old vehicle, neither suggesting neglect through long standing periods nor punishing high use that would accelerate wear on major mechanical components. The pattern is consistent with a car that has been driven fairly regularly, allowing fluids to circulate, the battery to remain charged, and seals and gaskets to stay lubricated rather than suffering the corrosion and perishing commonly seen on low‑mileage or stored vehicles. There is no evidence in the records of mileage irregularities, clock anomalies, or unusual gaps, which supports a credible and consistent usage history for this model year. Given the recurring advisories concerning the front suspension, a prospective buyer should carry out a deliberate test drive paying close attention to audible clunks or knocks from the front end when traversing speed humps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, as well as any vagueness in steering response or looseness that would indicate the offside front track rod end ball joint play noted in 2023 has progressed. The persistent deterioration of the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover is particularly relevant because once the rubber gaiter splits, contamination of the joint rapidly accelerates wear; during inspection, the buyer should examine the visible lower arm joints for torn or perished boots and physically check for vertical or horizontal play by attempting to rock the wheel. Similarly, the advisories on both rear coil springs being corroded warrant a visual check from beneath the vehicle, looking for surface rust, flaking, or any reduction in ride height at the rear that would suggest a weakened or fractured spring, accompanied by a listen for any clonking over bumps that could indicate the spring seats or associated dampers are compromised. Beyond the recorded advisories, the age and mileage profile of this Fiesta make several time‑based checks especially worthwhile. The tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing and cracking even if the tread depth appears adequate, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of mileage, and a tyre manufactured more than six or seven years ago should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The 12V battery, flagged as insecure in 2023, should have its mounting bracket and hold‑down clamp confirmed as tight and functional, and a load test requested if possible given the typical service life of a lead‑acid battery is around five to six years. Brake discs and calipers should be inspected for corrosion pitting along the disc edges and for any binding or seizing of caliper slides, particularly after periods of standing, and a thorough check of brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil condition should be undertaken since these fluids degrade with time rather than mileage. Finally, the noted front sub‑frame corrosion from 2023 should be revisited with a torch and inspection from underneath, paying particular attention to mounting points, steering rack attachment, and any structural sections, as sub‑frame corrosion on this generation of Fiesta is a known area of concern and warrants careful visual confirmation before purchase.