2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · WM10 LCV

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 January 2026 returned a Pass, although two advisories were noted regarding corrosion affecting the nearside rear and offside rear coil springs. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the vehicle has demonstrated a largely stable maintenance profile, passing every annual test since 2021 with only one outright failure recorded in September 2024. That failure related to the engine management indicator lamp being inoperative or indicating a malfunction, a defect which was evidently remedied prior to the subsequent pass in January 2025. The recurrence of rear coil spring corrosion advisories across consecutive tests and the earlier front tyre wear advisory suggest that while the car remains road-legal, certain wear items are progressively deteriorating and warrant close attention during a pre-purchase inspection. With 106,084 miles recorded over approximately sixteen years, the vehicle has covered an average of around 6,630 miles annually, which is broadly consistent with typical usage for a car of this age and class. The mileage progression across the MOT records appears steady rather than erratic, with no substantial gaps that would point to extended periods of standing or, conversely, unusually rapid accumulation that might suggest high-stress usage such as long-distance motorway commuting or commercial application. This moderate annual mileage is generally favourable for major mechanical components, though it does mean the vehicle has accumulated sufficient wear that consumable items such as brake discs, pads, clutch, and suspension components will have experienced meaningful service life and may now be approaching replacement thresholds. The advisory regarding corrosion on both rear coil springs is a notable concern that should be inspected physically prior to purchase. Coil springs gradually lose material integrity through surface oxidation, and once corrosion becomes visible at MOT inspection level, it is reasonable to expect further deterioration, potentially leading to spring fracture, which can cause a sudden change in ride height, clonking noises over bumps, or uneven tyre wear. On a test drive, listen for suspension knocks or thuds from the rear axle, particularly over uneven surfaces, and visually inspect for any obvious height discrepancy between the two sides. Should the springs be weakened, replacement in pairs is advisable, and the associated shock absorbers and rubber mounting seats should be checked for secondary wear. The September 2024 MIL lamp failure warrants specific enquiry regarding the diagnostic trouble codes retrieved at the time and the rectification work carried out, as persistent or recurring engine management faults on a 2010 Ford Fiesta could indicate underlying sensor degradation, vacuum leaks, or catalytic converter efficiency issues. On a test drive, verify that the engine management warning lamp functions correctly during the bulb check at ignition and extinguishes promptly, and observe whether the engine runs smoothly without hesitation, misfire, or excessive exhaust smoke. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, a prospective buyer should also conduct general age-appropriate checks including inspection of tyre sidewalls for perishing or cracking, verification of brake disc surface condition for corrosion pitting or binding calipers resulting from infrequent use, confirmation of recent fluid servicing for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil in line with calendar-based intervals, and a load test on the 12 volt battery which often deteriorates silently on vehicles of this age. The service history book should be examined to verify that scheduled maintenance has been carried out at appropriate intervals, particularly given the moderate but consistent annual mileage recorded.