2018 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Petrol · KK18 AAX

A clean and consistent DVSA record defines this 2018 Ford Fiesta, with four PASS outcomes and a single FAILED entry on 29 March 2022 that lists no recorded defects. A fail with no defects is most often the result of an administrative or procedural issue, such as a missing Tyre Pressure Monitoring System sensor or an emissions read-out not completing within tolerance, rather than a significant mechanical defect. The fact that the vehicle returned to the test station on 7 April 2022 and PASSED with no defects recorded supports this interpretation. The most recent test on 25 March 2024 was also a clean PASS with no advisories, and there are no recurring defect categories appearing across the history, indicating a stable roadworthiness profile with no chronic component wear flagged by the inspector. Recorded mileage stands at 62,590 miles across approximately eight years of service, equating to an annual accumulation of around 7,800 miles. This sits squarely within the typical range for a car of this age and segment, suggesting a balance of regular daily use and longer journeys rather than extreme stop-start urban driving or prolonged periods of standing. The gap between the December 2021 test and the March 2024 test is a normal 12-month MOT cycle, and the mileage spread across the recorded tests appears consistent with steady annual usage. At this mileage level, routine wear items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components will be approaching the midpoint of their expected service life, but the absence of any advisories on the recent test suggests none had reached a critical threshold at that point. Given the Fiesta’s front-wheel-drive transverse engine layout and the typical components that generate advisories on this platform, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering geometry. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front struts or anti-roll bar bushes over speed humps and uneven roads, and feel for any vagueness or rattle through the steering wheel, which can indicate worn drop links or top mounts. On a test drive, cornering over rough tarmac at moderate speed will quickly reveal tired bushings, and uneven tyre wear on the inner or outer edges of the front tyres would corroborate any suspension component deterioration. The braking system on this generation of Fiesta is also worth a focused inspection, particularly the rear drum or disc assemblies depending on specification, and the flexibility of the brake and fuel pipes beneath the car which are prone to surface corrosion. Pull away from rest with a firm brake application and check for any pulling to one side, which would indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear, and feel for a spongy pedal that may suggest corrosion in the brake hydraulic system. Under the bonnet, inspect for any signs of oil misting around the cam cover or oil filter housing, which is a known weak point on the 1.0 EcoBoost and 1.25 Duratec engines fitted to this model, and verify that the coolant and oil levels are correctly maintained. Finally, check the exhaust system from the manifold rearward for any blueing of joints or hissing sounds indicative of blowing gaskets, and confirm the tyres are of matching age and tread depth across both axles.