2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ST09 GDF

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 9 December 2022, although this followed a failure involving significant braking deficiencies. The overall maintenance trend appears inconsistent, with a recurring pattern of failures related to steering components and braking efficiency. The frequency of failures for basic items, such as indicator colours and steering gaiters, suggests a reactive approach to maintenance rather than a proactive one, indicating that the vehicle has been kept to a minimum legal standard rather than a comprehensive mechanical standard. With a recorded mileage of 124,565 miles over seventeen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 7,327 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a small hatchback of this era. While the mileage is not excessively high, it is sufficient to have caused significant wear to the primary consumables. At this stage of its life cycle, the drivetrain, suspension bushes, and braking systems will have undergone substantial stress, making the history of steering and brake failures particularly noteworthy. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the steering and suspension systems during a physical inspection and test drive. The history of play in the steering rack inner joints, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar linkages suggests a predisposition toward steering wear. Listen for clunking or knocking sounds when traversing uneven surfaces and feel for any vagueness or excessive play in the steering wheel. Additionally, the previous failures regarding service and parking brake efficiency, as well as axle imbalance, necessitate a thorough check for brake shudder or a tendency for the car to pull to one side under heavy braking. Further inspection should focus on the engine bay and the underside of the chassis. There is a documented history of oil leaks and exhaust corrosion, so the engine block and sump should be examined for active seepage or heavy oil residue. The exhaust system should be inspected for signs of advanced corrosion or leaks, particularly around the back box, which may manifest as an audible drone or rasp during acceleration. Finally, verify the service history to ensure that oil and filter changes have been performed regularly, as the recurring oil leak advisories may indicate aging seals or gaskets that require replacement to prevent long-term engine damage.