2009 Ford Fusion 1.4L Diesel · WN59 FEM

The latest MOT test on 21 March 2024 resulted in a pass, although it followed a failure on the same day due to ineffective windscreen wipers and a faulty rear stop lamp. The overall maintenance trend appears stable but reactive, as the vehicle has a recurring history of failing on minor electrical components and consumables, such as bulbs and wiper blades, only to be rectified immediately for the retest. While there are no major structural failures recorded, the pattern suggests that basic preventative maintenance may have been overlooked in favour of addressing defects only when mandated by the annual inspection. The recorded mileage of 95,148 miles is notably low for a seventeen year old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,597 miles per year. While this suggests less overall wear on the engine and drivetrain, such a low annual average often indicates that the car has been used for short urban trips or has spent significant periods stationary. This usage profile can be detrimental to the vehicle, potentially leading to carbon buildup in the exhaust system and the premature degradation of rubber seals and bushings due to lack of regular exercise. Prospective buyers should specifically investigate the front suspension and emissions. A 2022 advisory highlighted a severely deteriorated offside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover. If this component has not been replaced, the joint is exposed to road grit and moisture, which will lead to premature failure. During a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking sounds when turning the steering wheel or driving over speed bumps. Furthermore, the 2022 advisory regarding exhaust smoke exceeding default limits warrants a close inspection of the exhaust output during cold starts and under heavy acceleration to check for excessive smoke, which could indicate underlying engine wear or fuel system inefficiency. Given the vehicle age and low mileage, a thorough physical inspection for time-based degradation is essential. Examine all tyre sidewalls for hairline cracking or perishing, as tyres often expire by age before the tread is worn. Inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion and ensure the calipers are not binding, which is common in vehicles that stand for long periods. It is critical to verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other essential fluids have been changed according to calendar intervals rather than mileage alone. Finally, check the 12V battery health and inspect the engine bay for any signs of rodent damage to the wiring loom, a frequent issue with low-use vehicles.