2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · SL09 VMF

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 15 June 2023, though the historical record indicates a concerning trend of reactive maintenance. Frequent failures across 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023 suggest that critical components have often been left to deteriorate until they reached a failure threshold during the annual inspection. The pattern of repeated issues with suspension, steering, and braking systems indicates a lack of preventative care, meaning the current roadworthiness is likely dependent on the quality of the most recent repairs rather than a consistent, proactive service history. With 84,855 recorded miles over approximately 17 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 4,991 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average for a vehicle of this age. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the internal engine components and gearbox, it often introduces specific risks associated with long periods of standing. Low-use vehicles are more prone to the perishing of rubber components, the seizing of brake calipers, and the degradation of lubricants and fluids that expire based on calendar time rather than distance. The MOT history reveals a recurring theme of suspension and steering wear, specifically regarding coil springs, ball joints, track rod ends, and sub-frame bushes. During a test drive, the buyer should listen for metallic clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel at low speeds, which could indicate that the previously noted play in the anti-roll bar linkages or track rod ends has returned. Particular attention should be paid to the front end for any vague steering response or uneven tyre wear, which would suggest that the wheel alignment was not properly corrected following the replacement of the suspension arms and coil springs. Given the previous failures for imbalanced brakes and corroded rear brake pipes, a thorough physical inspection of the underbody is essential to ensure no further corrosion is compromising the braking system. The buyer should check for brake shudder during deceleration or a spongy pedal feel. Additionally, due to the low annual mileage, it is imperative to inspect the tyre sidewalls for age-related cracking or perishing, regardless of the remaining tread depth. The 12V battery health and the condition of the engine oil and coolant should be verified through service records, as these fluids degrade over time even if the vehicle is not driven extensively.