2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · ST09 GFY

A pattern of progressive structural and mechanical deterioration defines this Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 22 September 2025 recording a pass alongside an unusually heavy cluster of advisories that point to systemic corrosion issues. While the vehicle cleared the test, the examiner flagged corrosion under body and parts, corroded fuel pipes, a corroded brake pipe coated in grease or other material, an offside seat belt anchorage sill showing corrosion considered not yet excessive, and an oil leak not deemed excessive. Just three days earlier, on 19 September 2025, the same vehicle failed on a nearside rear seat belt anchorage where the prescribed area strength was found to be significantly reduced, a major defect in the sill structure. This back-to-back pass and failure sequence at the same test station reveals an actively deteriorating shell, with two separate sills now exhibiting corrosion concerns and brake and fuel lines compromised. Looking back further, an identical pair of results occurred in September 2024, when an offside inner seat belt anchorage sill failed with significantly reduced strength before a re-test passed. These repeat structural failures on both nearside and offside sills within a twelve-month window indicate that corrosion is not isolated to one panel but is affecting both lower sill sections of the bodyshell, a serious long-term roadworthiness concern. Mileage of 140,989 miles accumulated over seventeen years equates to an annual average of roughly 8,293 miles, which sits within typical parameters for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests recorded consistently from 2021 through 2025, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than laid up for long periods. The brake disc failure recorded as dangerous in September 2022 and the nearside front sub-frame ball joint play noted in September 2021 are consistent with wear expected at this mileage accumulation, particularly on consumable braking components and suspension linkage joints. The relatively continuous testing history means corrosion development has occurred under active service conditions rather than through long-term standing, which can sometimes accelerate certain forms of oxidation. For a prospective buyer, the recurring sill corrosion is the dominant concern and warrants close physical inspection. Both nearside and offside inner and outer sills should be examined, particularly around the seat belt anchorage mounting points, where the tester has now twice found the prescribed area strength to be significantly reduced. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or creaking from the seat belt anchorage area when entering and exiting the vehicle, and check that the seat belts themselves latch and retract firmly, as corroded mounting points can affect anchorage integrity. The flagged brake pipe corrosion is also critical to examine, as brake pipes run along the underbody and corroded sections can lead to fluid loss and brake failure, so a thorough inspection beneath the vehicle for any dampness, weeping joints, or heavily pitted pipe sections is essential, and the brake pedal should feel firm and consistent without any sponginess or excessive travel on test. The fuel pipe corrosion advisory suggests similar underbody metal fatigue, and any smell of petrol, visible pipe deterioration, or signs of temporary repairs should be treated as a red flag. The sub-frame ball joint play noted in 2021 should be rechecked by physically rocking the wheel at the nine and three o'clock positions to detect any clonking or movement, and the front suspension should be assessed for knocking over uneven surfaces. The persistent nearside rear tyre wear on the edge noted across 2023, 2024, and 2025 advisories may indicate tracking misalignment or worn rear suspension bushes, so the vehicle should be driven in a straight line to check for any steering pull, and the rear tyres themselves inspected for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear. Finally, the oil leak advisory warrants a check of the underbody for fresh oil residue and inspection of the engine bay for any accumulation around the sump, rocker cover, or oil filter housing before purchase.