2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · SL10 XDF

A sixteen-year-old Ford Fiesta carrying 198,900 miles presents a mechanical profile dominated by chronic front suspension and steering wear, with three MOT failures across the recorded tests and a persistent advisory trail that points to the same chassis components degrading in sequence. The most recent test on 18 May 2026 was a pass, but it came immediately after a fail six days earlier on 12 May 2026 where both front tyres were flagged as dangerously exposing ply or cords alongside failed position lamps, and the pass itself still carried advisories for a nearside rear tyre worn on its edge, slight play in the nearside front anti-roll bar ball joint, play in the nearside steering rack inner joint, an exhaust gas leak, and slight play in the offside track rod end. Looking back through the history, the 2023, 2024, and 2025 cycles all show front suspension ball joint failures on both sides, brake pad wear reaching dangerous levels in May 2025, steering rack gaiter failure in 2023, and recurring advisories for steering rack inner joint play and rear coil spring corrosion first noted in September 2024. The pattern is one of repeated front-end chassis component renewal being deferred until items reach major or dangerous defect thresholds, and the advisories left outstanding at the latest test indicate that the next renewal cycle for steering and anti-roll bar hardware is already due. Against an average of roughly 12,431 miles per year over its sixteen-year life, this Fiesta has been in regular use rather than laid up, and the test gaps reflect either lapsed registrations or unsuccessful test attempts rather than dormant periods. The mileage progression across the recorded tests shows accumulation consistent with that annual rate, and there is no evidence of low-mileage corrosion concerns typical of stored vehicles, nor of erratic mileage spikes that might suggest odometer irregularities. However, high sustained mileage on a small supermini of this age concentrates wear on exactly the components the MOT record flags: front suspension arms, ball joints, brake pads and discs, steering rack internals, and coil springs. The advisory for an oil leak noted in May 2025, though not classed as excessive, warrants monitoring as engine and gearbox sealing tends to deteriorate with this kind of mileage, and the minor exhaust gas leak flagged at the latest test may simply be a deteriorated joint or could indicate a failing downpipe or manifold gasket on a high-mileage unit. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priorities on inspection are the front suspension and steering components that have repeatedly failed or been flagged. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would indicate worn ball joints or anti-roll bar drop links, and pay particular attention to whether the steering feels vague, loose, or clunks when turned against full lock, as this would confirm the steering rack inner joint play and track rod end wear currently under advisory. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for any excessive travel, sponginess, or vibration through the pedal under firm application, since front pads have already worn to dangerous levels once and the discs were noted as worn in 2025; any grinding, pulsing, or pulling to one side under braking would suggest renewed pad or disc attention is imminent. The nearside rear tyre wearing on its edge, as noted at both the May 2026 fail and pass, points to a possible camber or suspension geometry issue on that corner, and this should be checked by inspecting for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear across all four tyres. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes flagged as slightly worn in May 2025, combined with the corroded rear coil springs noted in September 2024, suggest the back axle is also beginning to demand attention. On the road, a worn rear bush or swivel pin typically presents as a vague, wandering feel from the rear over undulating B-roads, or a slight knock from behind when traversing larger undulations. The exhaust leak, though minor, should be listened for as a ticking or hiss from beneath the car on cold start that may change with engine speed, and it is worth checking that the exhaust system does not hang low or rattle against the underbody when stationary. Finally, given the recurring position lamp failures in May 2025 and May 2026, all exterior bulbs and the headlamp aim should be verified before purchase, and the deteriorated registration plate and windscreen chip, while currently within acceptable limits, are minor items that will need rectification at the next test.