2004 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · YR04 MKF

The vehicle presents as a borderline pass with a worsening maintenance trend. The most recent test in June 2025 at 119,326 miles resulted in a pass, yet the advisory list remains notably heavy for a routine annual inspection. Multiple suspension and braking components continue to be flagged, indicating a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than proactive repair. The presence of worn front brake discs and thin front brake pads at the latest test suggests the braking system has reached a critical service interval that demands immediate attention. The mileage accumulation is exceptionally low for a 2004 model, averaging roughly 5,424 miles per year. The record shows a jump from 108,721 miles in June 2022 to 113,121 miles by June 2023, followed by a more gradual climb to 117,043 miles in June 2024 and 119,326 miles in June 2025. This pattern points to very light, localised use in recent years, which often leads to long stationary periods. Such usage accelerates the deterioration of rubber suspension bushes and brake components due to age-related hardening rather than mileage-based wear. A buyer must inspect the front suspension and steering with extreme caution. The recurring advisories regarding severely deteriorated lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers across multiple tests, combined with play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint noted in 2025, suggest the front end requires significant work. The persistent misting of oil on the offside front shock absorber also warrants a thorough check for complete damper failure. The braking system presents a tangible safety concern. Front brake discs have been flagged as worn, pitted, or scored for three consecutive years, while corrosion on rear brake pipes has appeared repeatedly since 2022. The combination of thin front pads and degraded rear pipework indicates a system operating at its limits. Any prospective buyer should test the brakes for binding and pedal feel, and closely examine the corroded brake lines for structural integrity before purchase.