2014 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · AA04 BAA

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring mechanical failures and a pattern of reactive rather than proactive upkeep. Although the most recent test on 26 February 2026 at 96,719 miles resulted in a pass, the vehicle failed just six days prior on 20 February 2026. That failure included excessive exhaust emissions, worn suspension component pins or bushes on the beam axle, and a tyre below the legal limit. The presence of fluctuating front service brakes in both the February 2026 and February 2025 tests suggests an unresolved or persistent issue with the braking system that has persisted for over a year. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a typical usage pattern for a 12-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,000 miles per year. The record shows steady progression from 27,271 miles in October 2018 to the current 96,719 miles. While the mileage itself is not excessive, the frequency of MOT failures suggests that the vehicle is often driven until components reach a critical point of failure. The gap between the 2021 and 2022 tests shows a significant period of usage, but the subsequent years reveal a vehicle that frequently struggles to meet minimum standards without remedial work. A prospective buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The MOT history shows a chronic tendency for suspension components, such as anti-roll bar linkages, ball joints, and beam axle bushes, to wear prematurely or fail repeatedly. Specifically, the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has been flagged for play in both February 2025 and February 2026. The recurring mentions of fluctuating or binding brakes, alongside previous notes of significantly worn discs and thin pads in 2021, necessitate a close examination of the brake discs, calipers, and hydraulic integrity. The history of tyre wear and failures also indicates a lack of regular consumable maintenance. Multiple tests, including those in 2021, 2022, 2025, and 2026, have flagged tyres worn to the legal limit or below. Given the recent failure regarding exhaust emissions in February 2026, the engine's combustion efficiency and the condition of the catalytic converter should be verified. The vehicle appears to be maintained on a strictly minimal basis, which often leads to multiple minor faults compounding into more significant mechanical risks.