2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · WN60 SWU

The most recent MOT test on 17 September 2025 resulted in a pass; however, this outcome followed a fail recorded on the same date due to a nearside rear bumper damaged to the point of likely causing injury and an offside rear stop lamp not working. Both defects were rectified sufficiently for the retest, and the advisory items noted, being a deteriorated front registration plate, a nearside rear reflector with up to fifty percent loss of reflecting surface, and a noise from the top of the steering column with nothing found on test, have been carried forward from the previous year's examination, suggesting a degree of stagnation in minor cosmetic and electrical upkeep rather than any active deterioration of the vehicle's mechanical condition. Looking further back, the 2024 test passed cleanly aside from advisories relating to slight wear in both rear axle swivel pins and bushes, and the 2023 test, while passing, recorded advisories for slight play in the offside track rod end ball joint, insecure nearside rear bumper following accident damage, and corrosion to the inner body sill to floor pan areas at both rear suspension mounting prescribed locations. The dangerous failure in late 2023 for an offside front tyre exposing ply or cords, coupled with heavily perished rear tyres, represented a significant safety concern at that time. The overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable, though the recurrence of advisories relating to steering and suspension components warrants careful attention. With a recorded mileage of 47,228 miles across approximately sixteen years of age, this Fiesta has averaged in the region of 2,950 miles annually, which is notably low and indicative of either sporadic usage or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage tends to be kinder to major mechanical assemblies such as the engine, clutch, and gearbox, reducing wear from heat cycling and friction; however, it conversely accelerates degradation of age-sensitive items, including rubber components, fluids, and electrical systems. Extended periods of standing are particularly associated with brake disc corrosion, binding brake calipers, deteriorated tyres through sidewall perishing even where tread depth remains legal, and 12V battery failure. There is no significant evidence in the MOT history of rapid mileage accumulation, and the relatively steady pattern of testing suggests the vehicle has been used regularly enough to retain reasonable mechanical conditioning. Given the recurring advisories relating to rear axle bushes and swivel pins recorded in 2024, alongside the prior advisory for slight play in the offside track rod end ball joint, a prospective buyer should inspect the suspension and steering assemblies with particular care. On the road, listen for clonks or knocks from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, particularly across speed humps and rougher tarmac, and feel for vagueness or delayed response through the steering wheel which may indicate further wear at the track rod end. Uneven or inner-edge tyre wear, particularly on the rear, would corroborate worn rear axle bushes. Given the tyre-related dangerous failure in 2023, all four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and tread depth, replacing any items showing doubt, and the age of the current tyres verified as tyre rubber degrades substantially beyond five to six years regardless of remaining tread. Likewise, the rear bumper mounting, given the prior insecure advisory and the major defect at the most recent test, should be checked for solid fixing, and the rear lighting, particularly the offside stop lamp, verified for correct operation. Beyond the recorded advisories, the age and low-mileage profile of this vehicle demands a thorough inspection of items that suffer from calendar degradation rather than wear. Brake discs should be examined for surface corrosion and the calipers assessed for smooth operation, as seized calipers are common after long periods of inactivity; fluid condition should be evaluated and the brake fluid renewed if its age is uncertain, as moisture absorption reduces braking performance. The 12V battery should be load-tested, given the likelihood of diminished cranking performance if it has stood discharged. Coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid service histories should be verified through the service book, with confirmation that intervals have been followed by time rather than mileage. The corrosion advisories on the inner body sills and rear suspension mounting areas should be physically inspected for any progression beyond surface oxidation, ideally on a ramp, to confirm structural integrity. Finally, the deteriorated front registration plate should be replaced, and the nearside rear reflector renewed, both being minor but easily resolved items that complete the vehicle's compliance and presentation.