2004 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YR04 DVC

The defining mechanical story of this 2004 Ford Fiesta centres on chronic chassis and steering wear, recurring exhaust emissions failures, and a growing pattern of under-bonnet fluid seepage that together paint a picture of an ageing supermini displaying multiple age-related deterioration points rather than isolated faults. Across six recorded tests since 2021, the vehicle has failed on three occasions, with two of those failures attributable to excessive exhaust carbon monoxide at idle in 2023 and 2025, and the third in 2022 caused by inoperative headlamp levelling and severely reduced headlamp output. The 2025 test outcome on 14 October documents a pass alongside a growing accumulation of advisories, including play in the offside front steering rack inner joint, slight seepage from the power steering rack, a non-excessive engine oil leak, deteriorated front number plate, and worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes on both sides. Earlier years have layered on rear coil spring corrosion, corrosion-affected brake pipes, a corroded offside rear sill within 30cm of a mounting, an insecure rear exhaust heatshield, and play in the nearside front strut top mount, indicating a vehicle whose structural and mechanical integrity is gradually declining across multiple component groups. The recorded mileage of 94,451 miles across approximately 22 years equates to a remarkably low annual accumulation of around 4,293 miles, well below the typical usage profile for a vehicle of this vintage. There are no extended gaps between recorded MOT dates that would suggest the vehicle was laid up, off the road, or subject to an SORN declaration, with tests falling at broadly annual intervals from 2021 through 2025. This consistency suggests either short-trip urban use, weekend-only running, or a vehicle that has accumulated mileage very gradually over its lifespan, which mechanically reduces wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch, gearbox, and engine internals, yet does not prevent the under-bonnet, chassis, and underbody corrosion issues that appear to be advancing on this particular car. The recurring oil and fluid seepage advisories, combined with brake pipe and coil spring corrosion flagged as far back as 2021, point to a vehicle exposed to moisture cycles and road salt typical of UK winter use rather than one suffering from high-mileage mechanical fatigue. A prospective buyer should prioritise a close inspection of the steering system and front end, given that play in the steering rack inner joint was noted on both the 2024 and 2025 tests. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, feel for any vagueness or slack in the steering response, and check for uneven tyre wear on the front pair which can indicate worn inner joints or deteriorated strut top mounts. The 2022 advisory for play in the nearside front upper strut top mount warrants inspection for knocking under compression and uneven tyre wear, while the rear axle swivel pin and bush wear flagged in 2025 should be evaluated by rocking the rear wheels side to side to detect any lateral movement. Brake pedal feel should be tested firmly, and the underbody examined on a ramp for the brake pipe corrosion noted across multiple tests, particularly in the inner wheel arch and brake drum zones, as corroded brake lines represent a safety-critical defect that can lead to hydraulic failure. The exhaust and emissions history requires a focused check given two CO failures at idle in 2023 and 2025. On test, observe whether the engine ticks over smoothly or hunts at idle, and inspect the catalytic converter and exhaust manifold for integrity, as the recurring heatshield insecurity advisories suggest the rear exhaust mounting area is deteriorating. The engine oil leak advisories from 2021, 2024, and 2025 indicate a persistent seepage that should be monitored; check the underside of the engine for fresh oil residue, the coolant reservoir for any discolouration, and the power steering rack area for active seepage given it has been flagged across multiple years. Finally, the structural advisories for the offside rear outer sill corrosion within 30cm of a mounting and rear coil spring corrosion should prompt a thorough underside examination for any further rust development, with particular attention to jacking points, suspension turrets, and the rear axle mounting area, as corrosion in these zones tends to progress once initiated and may have advanced beyond what was visible at the time of the last MOT.