2013 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · EO13 AAX

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 23 January 2026, but only after a failure involving several critical safety defects. The overall maintenance trend is currently concerning, as the 2026 test revealed multiple dangerous and major failures, including missing wheel fixings and critically worn tyres, suggesting a significant lapse in basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks. This represents a sharp decline in the vehicle's condition compared to the clean passes recorded between 2020 and 2023, indicating that the car has been neglected in the most recent period. With 59,434 miles recorded over thirteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 4,572 miles per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average. While low mileage generally implies less mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, it often introduces risks associated with prolonged standing. In this specific case, the low usage appears to have coincided with a lack of preventative care, as evidenced by the failure to replace tyres that had perished over time and the presence of pitted brake discs in previous records. Prospective buyers must investigate the current oil leak noted in the latest advisory to determine if it is a minor seep or a more serious gasket failure. During a test drive, listen for any lingering knocks or clunks from the front suspension, as the replacement of the nearside front suspension arm ball joint should have resolved previous play, but associated suspension bushes may still be degraded. Pay close attention to the braking performance; the 2021 advisory for pitted and scored front discs suggests the vehicle has suffered from surface corrosion due to inactivity. Any shuddering under braking or a grinding noise would indicate that the discs require replacement. Given the history of aged tyres and missing wheel fixings, a thorough physical inspection of all four wheels and tyres is essential. Check the sidewalls for fine cracking or perishing, as the 2025 record explicitly mentioned a fourteen year old tyre, which is well beyond the safe operational lifespan of rubber. Verify the service history to ensure that engine oil and other calendar-based fluids have been changed regardless of the low mileage, as oil degrades over time. Finally, test the 12V battery health and inspect the underbody for signs of corrosion, which can occur when a vehicle is left stationary in damp conditions for extended periods.