2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · VE04 WFJ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding structural and suspension integrity. In the most recent test in January 2026 at 102,403 miles, the car passed only after the owner addressed a split offside drive shaft CV boot. While the steering rack gaiter was deemed acceptable, the persistent presence of corrosion on both front coil springs and the rear suspension mounting areas suggests that the chassis is beginning to succumb to age-related degradation despite the low mileage. At 22 years old, the recorded mileage of 102,403 miles represents a low average of approximately 4,655 miles per year. The data shows consistent usage patterns, with roughly 4,400 miles driven between the January 2024 and 2025 tests, and another 4,100 miles before the January 2026 inspection. However, low annual mileage often correlates with the degradation of rubber components and accelerated oxidation, which aligns with the recurring advisories regarding rust found in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension mounting points to determine if the corrosion noted in 2026 has progressed toward structural failure. The 2024 advisory regarding corroded rear brake pipes and pitted front discs, combined with the front oil leak flagged in 2026, requires close monitoring to ensure fluid leaks or braking performance remain stable. Given the corrosion on the front coil springs, these should be checked for any hairline fractures or thinning, as these components are prone to failure once the metal integrity is compromised by rust.