2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · WD10 AYX

The 2010 Ford Fiesta presents a pattern of recurring mechanical advisories across three distinct test cycles, beginning with a complete failure in May 2023 that combined multiple safety-critical deficiencies before yielding a partial recovery in July 2024 followed by a mixed result in May 2025. The latest MOT on 2025-05-12 returned a passing status but retained four active advisories including corroded front coil springs, fluctuating front service brakes, an oil leak, and a non-functional hazard warning switch, indicating that while the vehicle cleared the final inspection, underlying systemic issues remain unresolved. This trajectory suggests a vehicle with intermittent reliability rather than consistent roadworthiness, where each subsequent test cycle revealed either residual damage from prior failures or new degradation patterns. With 132,466 miles recorded on a 16-year-old platform, the annualisation of approximately 8,279 miles places the vehicle within expected usage parameters for its age, though the distribution of mileage through the test history warrants scrutiny. The gap between the 2023 failure and the 2024 passing test spans just nine months, yet the 2025 result demonstrates that improvements were not sustained, as fresh warnings re-emerged despite the intervening year. The 2024 pass occurred after addressing the offside front tyre wear and service brake fluctuations, but the persistence of oil leakage and the continued presence of major advisory items such as the fractured nearside front coil spring and missing rear reflector indicate that the vehicle has accumulated cumulative wear across multiple subsystems rather than experiencing uniform degradation. Buyers should treat the corroded front coil springs as a primary concern, as their deterioration typically manifests as increased wheel hop and uneven ride quality when the suspension encounters potholes or speed bumps; a firm, unpredictable ride during a test drive would signal ongoing spring failure. The front service brake fluctuation and the fact that brake pads have measured below 1.5mm thickness point to a braking system that requires immediate attention, with potential for pedal vagrancy or complete lock-up under load if left unaddressed. The oil leak noted in two separate tests (2023 and 2024) represents a chronic loss of lubricant that could compromise engine performance and increase wear on internal components, making regular oil level monitoring essential before committing to ownership. Additional physical inspection points emerge from the full record, particularly the slight wear on the offside front tyres approaching legal limits and the absence of the rear reflector, which affects night-time visibility and may require replacement to maintain legal compliance. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes showing moderate wear suggest gradual differential bearing degradation, potentially leading to handling instability at corners. Given the documented oil leakage and the history of major safety-related failures, a pre-purchase inspection should prioritise the chassis subframe for hidden corrosion, the brake line integrity around the front calipers, and a thorough brake pad measurement to confirm whether they exceed the minimum safe threshold. If these areas reveal deferred repairs, the financial and safety implications extend far beyond the initial purchase price.