2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YP08 SNX

The 2008 Ford Fiesta presents a mixed but ultimately concerning maintenance history, with its most recent MOT—conducted on 15 July 2025 at 107,987 miles —passing without defects. However, the July 2024 test reveals a critical failure, where the tester flagged imbalanced brake performance across an axle by over 50% , alongside non-functional nearside position and stop lamps . This failure was immediately rectified, as the subsequent July 2024 retest passed, suggesting the issues were addressed promptly. Prior to that, the vehicle had passed three consecutive MOTs between 2022 and 2023 without any recorded defects, indicating a period of stable compliance. The presence of a serious brake-related fault —a recurring concern in this model’s history—demands closer scrutiny, particularly if the imbalance was not fully corrected or if compensatory wear has since developed. The Fiesta’s mileage of 107,987 miles over 18 years reflects unusually light usage, averaging just 5,999 miles annually , which is well below the typical UK fleet average for its age. This low mileage could imply either infrequent driving or prolonged periods of disuse , both of which may contribute to stiff suspension components, degraded fluids, or corrosion from lack of movement. The three-year gap between 2022 and 2025 without intermediate MOTs is also notable—while not illegal, it suggests the vehicle may have been kept off the road for extended periods , increasing the risk of seized bearings, degraded rubber seals, or structural corrosion in hidden areas. The 7,700-mile jump between the 2023 and 2024 tests (from 89,916 to 100,297 miles ) indicates a brief but significant increase in activity, though this alone does not explain the sudden brake failure. For a prospective buyer, the braking system must be the top priority , given the 2024 imbalance failure —this could point to uneven pad wear, seized calipers, or warped discs , all of which may have worsened since the retest. A full brake inspection , including disc thickness, pad condition, and hydraulic system integrity , is essential. The stop and position lamps failing together suggests a faulty wiring loom or bulb cluster , but this should be straightforward to verify. Beyond brakes, the suspension should be checked for stiffness or leaks , particularly in dampers and bushes , given the low mileage and potential for inactivity. Rust penetration —common in Fiesta models—should be inspected under sills, wheel arches, and around the exhaust, as prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion. Finally, fluid levels (brake, coolant, power steering) and tyre condition should be assessed, as neglect in these areas often correlates with the kind of irregular maintenance patterns hinted at by the MOT gaps.