2004 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YP54 DXD

This 2004 Ford Fiesta presents a clean and consistent roadworthiness record across its documented DVSA test history, with the most recent assessment on 14 July 2025 confirming a pass free of advisories or recorded defects. The pattern across the available tests shows a stable mechanical state, with passes recorded in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and the failures noted in July 2024 and July 2025 appearing to be retests that were subsequently cleared on the same day rather than significant mechanical defects. There is no history of recurring advisories relating to corrosion, suspension wear, braking components, or exhaust integrity, which for a 22-year-old vehicle is a notably reassuring position. The absence of flagged defects across multiple annual examinations suggests the major safety-critical systems have remained within acceptable tolerance throughout the recent testing cycle. With 90,539 miles accumulated over approximately 22 years, this Fiesta averages around 4,115 miles per year, which is considerably lower than typical usage for a vehicle of this age and class. Such a restrained annual mileage figure generally indicates a vehicle that has experienced either light commuting duties or extended periods of inactivity between uses. Mechanically, lower annual mileage can be a mixed blessing on a car of this vintage, as reduced running means consumables may have aged through time rather than wear, and components such as rubber boots, seals, and flexible hoses can deteriorate from standing. The recorded mileage progression also shows no unusual spikes or large gaps that would suggest inconsistent use or clock irregularities, lending confidence to the odometer reading. For a prospective buyer, the lack of specific advisories in the MOT history means there are no directly flagged components to interrogate, but the age and low mileage profile warrant careful attention to areas commonly affected on Mk6 and Mk7 generation Fiestas of this era. During a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which can indicate worn lower wishbone bushes, failing drop links, or tired anti-roll bar mountings — all known wear points on this platform. The steering should feel precise without excessive play or clonking when turned at low speed, and any sign of a knocking or graunching sensation from the front wheels could point to worn suspension components. Brake feel should be firm and progressive, and any pulling to one side under braking or a spongy pedal would warrant closer inspection of the calipers, discs, and pads, particularly given the low mileage which can sometimes lead to seized calipers from infrequent use. Given the modest annual mileage, it would also be prudent to check for signs of age-related fluid degradation rather than wear. Listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, a known concern on older Ford small-capacity engines, and observe whether the engine settles to a smooth idle promptly. Inspect the underbody, sills, and subframe mounting points for any surface corrosion, as DVSA testers will flag structural rust but light surface oxidation can develop between tests. Tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking from age even if tread depth is adequate, and the exhaust system should be examined for signs of rust or blowing joints, particularly around the rear silencer and manifold area. A compression check or at minimum a thorough road test observing for misfires or rough running would help confirm the engine's internal health given its low-use profile and long service life.