2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WM09 CXY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 25 July 2025, resulted in a failure on three counts of dangerous tyre damage – both front tyres show ply or cord damage and the nearside rear tyre has a structural bulge – together with major corrosion of the rear suspension mounting points. This follows a pattern of increasing severity: earlier in the series the car passed but accumulated a growing number of advisories for brake‑pipe corrosion, exhaust leaks and suspension play, and in 2022 it also failed on tyre damage. The trend is therefore clearly worsening rather than stabilising, indicating that critical wear items have not been addressed promptly. At 127,562 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 7,500 mi per year over its 17‑year life, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the typical UK range. The mileage does not suggest excessive wear from high mileage, but the relatively modest annual distance also hints at periods of low utilisation or extended storage, which can accelerate age‑related degradation such as tyre perishing, rubber cracking and corrosion of suspension components. Consequently, the vehicle’s condition is likely to be governed more by calendar wear than by mileage alone. A prospective buyer should treat the tyre situation as an immediate safety priority. All four tyres must be inspected for sidewall cracks, bulges, tread depth and any signs of dry rot; given the dangerous classification, replacement of the front pair and the nearside rear tyre is essential, and the off‑side rear tyre, already noted as close to the legal limit, should also be considered for change. During a test drive listen for thumping or vibration that may indicate a compromised tyre or wheel, and feel for any pull or wobble that could arise from uneven wear. The rear suspension mounting corrosion noted as a major defect should be examined for rust penetration, loss of material at the mounting brackets and any play in the rear trailing arms; excessive corrosion can undermine structural integrity and may require reinforcement plates or full rear sub‑frame refurbishment. Brake pipe corrosion, recorded repeatedly on both sides, should be checked for rust flakes, moisture ingress and any reduction in brake pedal firmness; a leak or contaminated fluid can lead to reduced braking efficiency and will likely necessitate pipe replacement and a complete brake fluid flush. Further inspection points relate to the recurring exhaust and lambda‑sensor faults. A minor exhaust leak at the rear box can produce a noticeable hissing sound, especially at idle, and may cause a lean condition that triggers the lambda sensor warning; the sensor itself should be tested for proper voltage response and, if out of spec, replaced to restore emissions compliance. The slight ball‑joint play on the off‑side front suspension arm should be probed for clunking when steering over bumps and for uneven front tyre wear; worn ball joints typically require replacement together with any associated bushings. Given the car’s age, the buyer should also verify the condition of the 12 V battery (checking cranking voltage and electrolyte level), confirm that engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed within the recommended intervals, and inspect the under‑carriage for any hidden rust on the chassis, especially around wheel arches and suspension mounting points. A full service history, including evidence of timely tyre, brake and suspension maintenance, will be a strong indicator of how well the vehicle has been cared for despite the recent MOT failures.