2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ST03 LEY

A clean bill of health on the most recent MOT on 8 September 2025 caps a stable roadworthiness picture for this 2010 Ford Fiesta, with no advisories or defects recorded on either of the two latest passes. The two prior tests on 29 August 2024 and 22 September 2023 also returned clean results immediately after a same-day retest was carried out following an initial failure where no defects were recorded by the examiner. This is a familiar pattern on a vehicle of this age and mileage, often reflecting that a relatively minor item, typically a bulb, number plate, or wiper blade, was remedied at the test station before the retest. The absence of any recurring advisory notes over four consecutive test cycles is a positive signal that the examiners have not been picking up developing issues with the suspension, brakes, exhaust, or underbody corrosion, all of which are areas that commonly attract attention on high-mileage superminis approaching their mid-teens. Accumulating 168,300 miles over sixteen years equates to an average of roughly 10,500 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and prior usage class. There is no evidence in the recorded history of extended gaps between tests or sudden mileage jumps that would suggest long periods off the road followed by a return to heavy use, both of which can accelerate certain forms of wear. The mileage progression between tests is broadly linear, consistent with steady daily motoring rather than stop-start abuse or prolonged storage. Mechanically, this kind of consistent usage tends to be kinder to the drivetrain and suspension than a vehicle that has been laid up for years and then returned to service, as seals, boots, and bushes are less prone to drying out and cracking when kept in regular rotation. On a physical inspection, attention should focus on the components most likely to attract advisories on a Fiesta of this age and mileage, particularly the front suspension. The front anti-roll bar drop links, lower wishbone bushes, and front coil springs are known wear items on this generation of vehicle, and a test drive over uneven road or through a roundabout should be used to listen for clonking from the front axle, vague steering through the straight-ahead, or any knocking transmitted through the steering column. Worn drop links typically produce a rattle over cats-eyes or speed humps, while tired wishbone rear bushes tend to allow the rear axle to shift laterally under load. Steering should self-centre cleanly without any delay or wander, and any pulling to one side under steady throttle would warrant further investigation into the front axle geometry or a binding brake caliper. The braking system should also be examined closely, as a 168,000-mile Fiesta is well into its life for original or replacement front discs and pads. On the road, any vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, a soft or spongy pedal, or the car failing to pull up squarely would suggest warped discs, worn pad material, or a sticking caliper. At the rear, the drum-in-hat brake assemblies should be inspected for evidence of corrosion around the back plate and for any binding action, which manifests as a hot wheel hub after driving or reluctance to release under gentle handbrake application. Given the mileage, the clutch and dual-mass flywheel are also worth probing for any slipping under load in fourth or fifth gear, a rising biting point, or a characteristic rattle on idle that suggests DMF wear. Under the bonnet, check for any oil misting around the cam cover, which is common on this engine, and ensure the coolant and oil levels are correctly maintained, as low coolant combined with the age of the vehicle could indicate a developing head gasket or water pump issue.