2009 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · YK59 FFX

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as the mileage increases. While the 2024-08-27 test at 85,070 miles resulted in a pass, the tester identified several developing issues including slight free play in the steering rack, a front oil leak, and a minor exhaust gas leak. These faults follow a pattern of recurring mechanical degradation. The steering rack issues noted in August 2024 mirror the play in the steering rack inner joint reported in the July 2023 test at 81,412 miles, suggesting that steering components are beginning to fail. The vehicle has covered 85,070 miles over approximately 17 years, averaging roughly 5,000 miles per year. This low annual mileage suggests the car has seen light use, but the MOT history indicates that long periods of inactivity may be contributing to component deterioration. For example, the December 2020 test flagged all four tyres as cracking or perishing, a classic symptom of age-related rubber degradation rather than wear from high mileage. There is a noticeable gap in testing between 2020 and 2022, which aligns with the period where several suspension and tyre issues were subsequently recorded. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering systems. The record shows a persistent history of coil spring failures, with broken or corroded springs flagged in 2016, 2017, and 2022. The recent steering rack play and the previous ball joint issues suggest the front-end geometry may require significant attention. Furthermore, the recurring presence of oil leaks since at least 2023 and the recent exhaust leak indicate that engine and exhaust sealing are degrading. The braking system also warrants close scrutiny. Although the 2017 test noted imbalanced front brakes that barely met requirements, the vehicle has a history of inconsistent maintenance regarding consumables. Given the recent advisory for a worn offside front tyre and the history of tyre failures, the buyer should check the current tread depth and sidewall integrity across all four wheels. The presence of a loose exhaust heatshield and gas leaks in the most recent test suggests that the underside of the vehicle may be subject to corrosion or general wear that requires immediate mechanical verification.