2004 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ST53 UCC

Chronic exhaust emissions issues and recurring suspension wear define the mechanical picture of this 2004 Ford Fiesta, with three of the five recorded MOT tests ending in failure and a consistent pattern of advisories pointing to undercarriage deterioration. The most recent test on 2023-08-25 recorded a pass, but only after the same vehicle failed at the same station earlier the same day with majors including a fractured nearside front coil spring and perished anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust covers on both front corners. The earlier failures in 2020 and 2022 were dominated by exhaust-related majors: a leaking exhaust manifold seal, carbon monoxide content exceeding specified limits at idle and fast idle on multiple occasions, and an inoperative or malfunctioning engine MIL. Together these indicate ongoing combustion and exhaust system concerns that may recur if not comprehensively addressed. Against a 22-year vehicle age, 121,644 recorded miles equates to roughly 5,529 miles annually, which is notably low and suggests either prolonged periods of standing or genuinely limited use. The MOT history shows irregular testing intervals, with gaps of more than twelve months between some tests, which is consistent with a vehicle that has spent considerable time off the road. Low annual mileage reduces wear on high-mileage consumables such as clutch, brake friction material and internal engine components, but it can accelerate deterioration of rubber bushes, flexible brake hoses, coil springs, and underbody seams through age-related dry rot and oxidation rather than mechanical fatigue. The 2023 advisories noting slightly worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes alongside coil spring advisories on both rear corners in 2022 are typical of an ageing platform where the suspension substrates have simply succumbed to corrosion and material degradation over time. For a prospective buyer, the suspension items flagged warrant particular attention on a physical inspection. The fractured front coil spring recorded at the 2023 failure is a serious defect that can recur if replacement springs are not matched in grade and origin, so listen for any metallic clunk or rattle over uneven road surfaces, particularly on the nearside front corner. The perished anti-roll bar linkage dust covers mean the ball joints themselves could now be on the verge of wear, so push and pull the front corners laterally at standstill and listen for knocking over speed humps. The rear axle swivel pin and bush advisories should be checked by jacking each rear corner and rocking the wheel fore and aft to detect any play in the hub assembly. Examine the rear coil springs closely for surface corrosion, scaling, or any sign of cracking, as the 2022 advisories on both rear springs suggest the undercarriage has been exposed to moisture and road salt for an extended period. The exhaust and emissions failures across 2020 and 2022 are equally significant and should not be dismissed simply because the 2023 test did not re-flag them. A persistent exhaust manifold seal leak can lead to recurring carbon monoxide exceedances and trigger the engine management light, so on a test drive listen for a ticking or hissing sound from the engine bay on cold start and watch for any reappearance of the MIL. On a cold start, observe whether exhaust smoke is excessive or blue-tinged, which would indicate combustion issues. The headlight adjuster being altered to recheck lights in 2022 is a minor note, but worth confirming the beam pattern is correctly set for MOT compliance. Finally, check the central front windscreen for the stone chip noted in 2020 and 2023, ensuring it remains outside the driver's primary view zone, and inspect the rear number plate condition noted as deteriorated in 2022.