2008 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YR08 WXT

A persistent theme throughout the MOT record is the corrosion of both rear coil springs, flagged as an advisory at every test since 2023, while the most recent January 2026 inspection returned a clean pass. This suggests that, although the corrosion has not yet escalated to a safety‑critical failure, the rear suspension is a known weak point that warrants close scrutiny. Earlier failures – notably a dangerous front‑tyre bulge and missing fuel‑cap in early‑2024 – have been resolved, and the car has demonstrated an overall trend toward passing without new major defects. At 101,768 miles on an 18‑year‑old Fiesta the annual average is roughly 5,600 miles, well below the typical UK usage rate. The low mileage points to relatively light real‑world wear, yet the age of the vehicle means that rubber and metal components may have deteriorated from time and exposure rather than mileage alone. The uninterrupted yearly MOT schedule shows consistent testing, but the modest mileage could mask age‑related fatigue in suspension bushings, hoses and seals that are not mileage‑dependent. When inspecting the rear suspension, focus on the coil springs and associated mounting points. Look for any visible cracks, rust patches, or sagging of the rear axle, and listen for metallic clunks or a distinct knock when driving over potholes or uneven surfaces. Uneven rear tyre wear or a soft, spongy feel in the rear may indicate that the corroded springs are losing their spring rate and could soon require replacement, potentially together with rear anti‑roll bar mounts if corrosion has spread. The front tyre advisories and the earlier bulge mean a thorough tyre audit is essential: check all four tyres for sidewall bulges, cracks, or excessive wear, confirm tread depth exceeds the legal minimum, and verify that the tyre pressures are correct. Examine the exhaust system for rust, cracks or loose mounts, and ensure the bonnet latch operates securely as the primary retaining device was noted as slightly deteriorated. Finally, confirm that the fuel cap is present and seals correctly, the nearside position lamp illuminates, and the battery is firmly mounted – all of which were flagged in past tests and are simple but critical checks before committing to purchase.