2006 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WD06 FHA

The most recent DVSA examination on 28 May 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which on the surface suggests the vehicle is currently roadworthy. However, the broader test pattern reveals a notable deterioration in condition across the last two testing cycles. Following a run of five consecutive passes with no advisories between January 2021 and May 2023, the vehicle suffered a failed retest on 20 April 2024 with multiple major defects, then failed again on 10 May 2025 with a dangerous wheel bearing defect and engine management warning light issues, before finally passing on the third attempt three weeks later. While the latest clean result is reassuring, the trajectory indicates that the car has moved from a consistently well-maintained state into a period of escalating wear and component failure that warrants close physical inspection before purchase. With a recorded mileage of 60,097 miles over a 20-year lifespan, this Fiesta has averaged only around 3,000 miles annually, which is exceptionally low for its age and suggests significant periods of standing or only short, infrequent journeys. Low annual mileage of this nature often masks underlying deterioration rather than preserving the vehicle, as standing accelerates corrosion of brake discs, caliper seizure due to dormant pistons, degradation of the 12V battery through partial state-of-charge cycling, and perishing of rubber components such as tyres, hoses, and drive belts. It is also worth verifying the authenticity of the mileage record, as several MOT entries show no recorded mileage progression between tests, which is consistent with low use but should be cross-checked against the service book and any available V5C history. Given the dangerous nearside front wheel bearing failure recorded in May 2025, a prospective buyer must thoroughly inspect the replacement component for any signs of play, roughness, or excessive noise. The wheel bearing was deemed likely to break up, which is an extremely serious defect, and although the most recent test passed, the bearing itself has only been in service a short time and should be checked by rocking the wheel at twelve and six o’clock and rotating it by hand to detect any roughness, grating, or resistance. The illuminated engine management indicator noted at the same test should also be investigated; although the lamp cleared by the subsequent pass, intermittent warning light illumination can indicate stored fault codes relating to lambda sensors, ignition coils, or evaporative emissions faults, so a diagnostic scan is strongly advisable. The fractured nearside front coil spring recorded in April 2024 should likewise be confirmed as professionally replaced, and the offside front spring should be examined for any signs of corrosion pitting or sagging, as coil springs typically fail from fatigue and a second fracture is not uncommon on a vehicle of this age. The nearside rear tyre size mismatch recorded in 2024 has clearly been corrected, but all four tyres should be checked for matching specifications, adequate tread depth, and any sidewall cracking or perishing given the car’s age. Several advisories and age-related factors merit careful physical inspection during a viewing. The advisory noting corrosion on the offside rear outer sill should be examined with the vehicle on a ramp if possible, using a screwdriver or magnet to confirm whether the corrosion is purely surface or has progressed into structural perforation, as MOT advisory thresholds are conservative and significant hidden corrosion is common on a 20-year-old Fiesta. The replacement of a second-hand coil spring on the nearside front, as noted in 2024, suggests cost-driven repair rather than renewal with a new component, and any secondhand suspension part should be treated as life-expired and due for replacement imminently. Beyond the recorded history, a buyer should verify the timing belt or chain replacement history appropriate to the engine variant, check the condition and age of the 12V battery, test all fluid levels and their service dates, inspect brake discs for corrosion ridges that may cause pedal pulsation, and confirm the exhaust system for signs of rust-through at joints and hangers. A thorough road test should include careful listening for suspension clonks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, any pulling under braking, and confirmation that the engine management light remains extinguished throughout warm-up and driving.