2003 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · SX03 AHF
2003 Ford Fiesta (1.2L, petrol). First registered 30 May 2003. Recorded mileage 94,333 miles. MOT expired on 17 Oct 2025. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- FORD FIESTA
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Inverness
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 17 Oct 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 94,333 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.2L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SX03 AHF Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 15/10/2024
- 94,333 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (17 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SX03 AHF MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Ford Fiesta (SX03 AHF) between October 2022 and October 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 15 October 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (17 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 29 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”; “Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”; “Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”.
SX03 AHF Mileage History
- 18/10/202286,970 mi
- 19/10/202286,974 mi+4 mi
- 18/10/202389,718 mi+2,744 mi
- 15/10/202494,333 mi+4,615 mi
Average of roughly 3,693 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. While the
Prioritise a thorough underside inspection. The MOT history explicitly mentions corroded brake and fuel pipes in 2022, 2023, and 2024, suggesting these issues are systemic rather than isolated. Be particularly wary of the 2023 and 2024 notes stating brake pipes are "covered in grease or other material," which can sometimes be used to mask the extent of rust during an inspection.
Negotiate the purchase price heavily to account for the inevitable cost of replacing these lines and the worn rear sub-frame bushes noted in the most recent two tests. Ensure you see evidence of any professional rust treatment or replacement parts, as the MOT data suggests these advisories have been carried forward for three years without being resolved.
The 1.2L petrol engine is a cost-effective choice for urban driving, typically falling into a lower insurance group and offering reasonable fuel economy. However, the age of this vehicle means maintenance costs will likely be higher than a newer model, particularly regarding structural integrity.
Annual running costs will be influenced by the need for corrective maintenance. Given the recurring advisories for exhaust leaks and corrosion, you should budget for more than just standard servicing to keep the vehicle roadworthy.
Focus your inspection on the chassis and underbody. Specifically, check the brake pipes from front to rear and the fuel filler pipes, as these have been flagged for corrosion in every test since 2022. Look for signs of patching or heavy grease application on the pipes, as noted in the 2024 MOT report.
Additionally, inspect the rear sub-frame for the worn pins and bushes mentioned in the 2023 and 2024 reports. Check the exhaust system at the rear joint for the recurring leak and verify the condition of the power steering hoses, which have been flagged as slightly corroded across three consecutive years.
This red 2003 Ford Fiesta has covered 94,333 miles, which is below the expected average for a vehicle of this age. However, the MOT record is concerning, showing a persistent pattern of corrosion affecting fuel pipes, brake pipes, and power steering hoses over several years. A significant failure in October 2022 highlighted excessive corrosion and fluid leaks, many of which have remained as advisories in the 2023 and 2024 tests.
The Ford Fiesta has an average MOT pass rate of 77.7%, with common failure points typically being headlamps, exhausts, and coil springs.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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