2009 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YJ09 VFM

The 2009 Ford Fiesta shows a concerning trend regarding structural integrity and mechanical neglect. While the vehicle passed its most recent MOT in May 2024 at 122,095 miles, it carried a minor exhaust leak and a contaminated headlamp. This pass followed a significant failure just one day prior at the same mileage, which identified critical structural defects. The tester flagged excessive corrosion on the offside sill suspension mounting area and an inadequate repair on the nearside rear sill mounting area. Most seriously, the offside seat belt anchorage area suffered from reduced strength due to rust, indicating deep-seated corrosion in the vehicle's safety structure. The vehicle has covered 122,095 miles over 17 years, averaging approximately 7,182 miles per year. This usage is consistent with a vehicle of its age, yet the record reveals a pattern of reactive rather than proactive maintenance. Between 2018 and 2022, the car consistently failed tests due to recurring issues including corroded brake pipes, failing light bulbs, leaking hydraulic cylinders, and fractured coil springs. The presence of high emission failures in 2023 suggests the engine or fuel system was struggling at that time, though the 2024 test showed improved emissions. A buyer should be extremely cautious regarding the state of the sills and seat belt mounting points. The progression from minor corrosion noted in 2023 to structural strength reduction in 2024 suggests that the metalwork is deteriorating at an accelerating rate. Furthermore, the history of corroded brake lines and imbalanced brakes indicates that the braking system has only been addressed when it failed inspection. A thorough physical inspection of the chassis and suspension components is mandatory to determine the true extent of the rust beyond what was captured in the MOT records.