2002 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · SV52 AZR

The vehicle's roadworthiness shows a worrying downward trend in maintenance standards, culminating in a significant failure in July 2022. While the car has covered a typical amount of mileage for its age, the most recent recorded test at 185,267 miles revealed a high volume of simultaneous failures. This included critical issues such as excessive oil leakage from the engine oil filter, steering rack inner joint play, and a parking brake efficiency failure. The frequency of failures regarding lighting, tyres, and braking components suggests a reactive rather than proactive approach to vehicle upkeep. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 7,719 miles per year. The records show steady usage, with the mileage increasing from 106,496 in March 2013 to 185,267 in July 2022. However, the data is now four years out of date relative to the current date of July 2026, meaning the vehicle's current mechanical state and legal roadworthiness cannot be verified from this record alone. The lack of recent testing data is a significant concern for any prospective buyer. A physical inspection must prioritise the vehicle's structural integrity and engine health. The August 2018 test flagged a serious structural failure involving a fractured outer sill and reduced rigidity, which is a major red flag for a vehicle of this age. Potential buyers should also inspect for persistent oil leaks, as the record shows recurring engine oil issues dating back to 2016 and 2019. Given the history of steering rack play and anti-roll bar joint wear, the suspension and steering geometry require thorough checking. Finally, the braking system and tyres demand close scrutiny. The history shows frequent issues with imbalanced brakes, inoperative parking brakes, and worn brake discs. The July 2022 failure specifically noted multiple tyres below the legal 1.6mm limit, indicating a pattern of neglecting basic consumables. Any inspection should include a detailed check of the brake lines, pads, and discs, alongside a verification of the current tyre tread depths and the condition of all lighting assemblies.