2010 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · YS10 RVT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a trend of deferred mechanical repairs and escalating structural corrosion. While it passed its most recent test in March 2026 at 87,539 miles, this followed a failure just eight days prior at the same mileage. The transition from a failure to a pass indicates that the owner addressed the track rod end ball joint, but the persistent presence of multiple advisories suggests that repairs are only performed when necessary to pass the MOT test rather than on a preventative schedule. At 16 years old, the car has covered 87,539 miles, averaging approximately 5,470 miles per year. This low annual usage contrasts with the significant environmental wear noted in the records. Between February 2024 and March 2026, the vehicle covered 10,140 miles, showing a recent increase in use compared to previous years. However, the low mileage has not prevented the degradation of rubber and metal components, as evidenced by perishing tyres and advancing rust which is age-related rather than mechanical wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the underbody to assess the severity of the fuel tank strap corrosion and exhaust decay. The tester flagged corroded coil springs on three corners in March 2026, which represents a recurring risk of structural failure if not replaced. Furthermore, the binding offside front brake caliper and the corroded brake pipes noted in 2024 indicate that the braking system is beginning to suffer from environmental neglect. The recurring report of smoking when cold in the two most recent tests suggests a potential engine oil stem seal issue or piston ring wear that requires a professional diagnostic. Given the history of distorted road wheels, damaged engine mounts, and worn axle bushes, the suspension and drivetrain are likely showing signs of fatigue. The buyer should verify that the supplementary restraint system fault noted in 2024 has been properly rectified, as this is a critical safety concern.