2010 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WN60 WNL

The defining mechanical theme for this 2010 Ford Fiesta is the recurring corrosion and wear found at the rear suspension, flagged at every test since 2024 alongside a steering defect identified at the most recent examination. Both rear coil springs were first noted as corroded in February 2024 and have appeared as advisories at every subsequent annual check, indicating progressive surface oxidation rather than a stable condition. The pattern is compounded at the February 2026 test by a newly recorded advisory concerning play or knocking within the steering system, where the inspector could not identify an immediate source and recommended further diagnostic investigation. Although the vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 18 February 2026, a prior failure just two days earlier on 16 February 2026 for nearside front headlamp aim and windscreen washer misalignment demonstrates that presentation defects are also part of the vehicle's record. The cumulative effect is a car whose structural and steering components are showing their age even at low accumulated mileage. At 51,617 miles across sixteen years, the Fiesta has averaged roughly 3,200 miles annually, a notably low accumulation rate for a supermini of this vintage. This profile suggests a vehicle used predominantly for short urban trips or periods of relative inactivity rather than sustained motorway driving, which has implications for component longevity. While low mileage typically preserves drivetrain components, prolonged standing periods can accelerate corrosion of exposed underbody items such as coil springs, exhaust heat shields, and brake components through moisture exposure without the protective benefit of regular heat cycling. The consistent annual MOT testing with no significant lay-up gaps indicates the car has not been formally off the road for extended durations, though the underlying rate of use remains modest. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the rear suspension assembly, particularly both coil springs, checking for visible flaking, deep pitting, or any signs of cracking at the spring coils that could indicate structural compromise. The steering system advisory warrants particular attention during a test drive, with attention paid to any clonks, knocks, or looseness felt through the wheel when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or during low-speed lock-to-lock manoeuvres, alongside any wandering or vagueness in straight-line tracking that might suggest a worn rack or drop link. The offside front tyre was previously flagged as worn on its edge, so the current tyres should be examined for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which can indicate misalignment or worn suspension bushes, and all four tyres should be checked for the cracking and perishing previously noted on the nearside rear and offside rear items. Additional checks should address the exhaust system, where the rear silencer heat shield has been flagged as loose across multiple tests, requiring verification that it has now been properly secured or replaced to prevent rattling against the bodywork or exhaust casing. The nearside front wheel distortion advisory from 2025 should be confirmed resolved, ideally by jacking the vehicle to inspect the rim for residual buckling or run-out, while the windscreen should be examined for the minor damage previously noted on the offside front upper area to ensure it has not progressed into the driver's primary line of sight. Given the persistent advisories on coil springs and the unresolved steering query, budgeting for rear spring replacement and a steering system diagnostic would be a prudent precaution before purchase.