2017 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · BW17 AAN

The most recent MOT test for this 2017 Ford Fiesta, conducted on 2026-06-09, resulted in a passing outcome with a single advisory regarding the rear axle swivel pins and bushes exhibiting slight wear on both sides. While this indicates a stable maintenance trend over the past year, the presence of recurring advisories—particularly those concerning tyre wear and front wheel bearing play—suggests that the vehicle has not been fully compliant with standard roadworthiness standards in previous years. The failure in 2025-05-28, where the near-side front wheel bearing showed excessive play, highlights a critical mechanical issue that would have compromised steering precision and potentially led to increased tyre wear or alignment problems. The subsequent passing in 2026-06-09 suggests either corrective action was taken or the bearing condition improved, but the advisory from 2025-05-29 about front tyre wear on edges further underscores a pattern of wear-related concerns that warrant closer attention. The recorded mileage of 45,711 miles for a vehicle aged nine years represents a relatively low annual usage rate of approximately 5,079 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age. Such low mileage often correlates with periods of extended standing or infrequent use, which can accelerate wear in components that are subject to dynamic loading, such as suspension bushes, wheel bearings, and brake systems. However, the absence of higher mileage accumulation over the past few years does not necessarily mean the vehicle has been well-maintained; instead, it may reflect a lack of regular driving, potentially leading to issues like corrosion from standing fluids, binding components, or fluid degradation due to stagnation. For example, brake discs and calipers may corrode or bind if not used regularly, while fluids like brake fluid and coolant can degrade over time, even with minimal movement. Given the recurring advisories and the critical failure on wheel bearing play, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering components. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the rear axle area, such as clunking or rattling when the vehicle is driven over bumps or at speed, which could indicate further wear in the swivel pins or bushes. The front wheel bearings should be checked for excessive play or grinding noises, particularly when cornering sharply or accelerating. Additionally, inspect the front tyres for uneven wear patterns, which may suggest misalignment or bearing issues; any further wear close to the legal limit should prompt immediate replacement. The buyer should also verify that the front wheel bearings have been addressed, as excessive play can lead to steering instability and increased tyre wear. Beyond the mechanical checks, the buyer should examine the vehicle’s structural integrity for signs of corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, undercarriage, and the chassis, as prolonged standing can accelerate rust formation. Inspect the tyres for sidewall perishing or cracking, which can be a sign of age-related degradation even at relatively low mileage. The 12-volt battery should be tested for charge capacity, as low usage may have led to a weakened or failing battery. Fluid levels, including coolant, brake fluid, and differential fluid, should be checked and replaced if they have been stagnant for an extended period, as these fluids degrade over time and can lead to catastrophic failures. Finally, the buyer should verify that service records have been kept up-to-date, particularly for the wheel bearings, suspension components, and fluid servicing, to ensure the vehicle’s long-term reliability. If the buyer is concerned about the bearing issues, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly recommended to confirm the condition of the wheel bearings and suspension components.