1999 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · T720 BAY

A structural and suspension deterioration story defines this 1999 Ford Fiesta's MOT record. The most recent test on 2022-11-15 produced a failure driven entirely by visibility and lighting defects, including non-functioning windscreen washers, an ineffective front wiper, a missing rear wiper blade, and an inoperative nearside front position lamp, none of which point to underlying mechanical decay. However, the earlier history is far more concerning. Between 2018 and 2021, the vehicle accumulated multiple Major defects relating to corroded outer sills compromising rear suspension mounting prescribed areas, a weakened seat belt anchorage at the inner sill, and excessively worn rear trailing arm bushes and front suspension ball joints. Two CV joint boot failures have also been recorded, in 2019 and 2021, indicating ongoing driveshaft vulnerability. An advisory noting underbody corrosion appeared on consecutive tests in 2021, suggesting the corrosion pattern is progressive rather than isolated. The recorded mileage of 21,997 miles across 27 years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 815 miles, which is exceptionally low for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history covers only five years of testing activity from 2018 to 2022, with visible gaps suggesting extended periods off the road between tests. Such low usage typically means longer durations of standing, which can lead to moisture accumulation in brake systems, dried rubber seals, seized calipers, and surface corrosion on brake discs from infrequent operation. Although low mileage reduces wear on internal drivetrain components, the MOT evidence demonstrates that age-related structural corrosion, rubber bush deterioration, and joint boot degradation have still progressed significantly, underscoring that low recorded mileage on a 27 year old car does not mitigate the effects of prolonged standing and oxidation. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the structural integrity of the outer sills, inner sills, and rear suspension mounting areas, as these zones have already been flagged for prescribed area corrosion that significantly reduced structural strength on a previous test. An inspection on a ramp or with a torch beneath the vehicle is essential to assess whether further corrosion has developed since the last recorded test, especially around suspension arm pick-up points and seat belt anchorages. The trailing arm bushes, front suspension ball joints, and the offside front lower arm rear bush previously noted as cracking should be physically checked for play, movement, or perishing, and any clonking or knocking over uneven road surfaces during a test drive would indicate renewed deterioration. The front brake discs were previously flagged as worn, pitted, or scored, so brake pedal feel should be evaluated for judder under firm application, and any grinding or binding from the calipers noted. The CV joint boots are another priority, given the repeat failures in 2019 and 2021, which suggests either a recurring fault or replacement with components of limited durability. On a test drive, listen for clicking or knocking from the front wheels during full lock turns, and inspect the boots visually for splits or grease contamination. The front tyres were previously worn close to the legal limit on both sides, so even tread depth and any uneven shoulder wear should be examined, as this can point to suspension geometry misalignment or worn bushes. Finally, verify the function of all washers, wiper blades, and position lamps, as the 2022 failure was specifically for these items. Given the structural corrosion history, any fresh advisory or failure relating to sills, subframes, or suspension mountings at the next test should be treated as a serious concern affecting both roadworthiness and the vehicle's long term viability.