2013 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · RHZ 4006

The most recent MOT on 2 February 2026 was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that the vehicle currently meets the statutory safety and emissions standards. However, the preceding twelve‑month period shows a mixed picture: a failure in January 2025 due to a severely worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint and a series of advisory items, followed by a pass in early 2025 that still carried the same front‑right tyre and sub‑frame advisories. The 2024 cycle also recorded a failure for dangerous rear tyre tread and major faults on the position lamp, washer system and both track‑rod ends. Overall the trend is moving from outright failures toward advisory‑only results, suggesting that the most serious safety‑critical items have been addressed, but a number of recurring wear points remain unattended. At 121 873 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 9 400 miles per year over its thirteen‑year life, which sits comfortably within the normal UK usage envelope. The mileage does not point to extreme high‑speed wear, yet the pattern of intermittent failures combined with periods of low annual mileage can imply that the car has spent intervals standing idle, a condition that often accelerates corrosion on the sub‑frame, exhaust box and suspension mounting points. The moderate kilometre count means that major power‑train components such as the engine, gearbox and differential are unlikely to be near the end of their design life, but consumables that are age‑dependent – tyres, rubber bushings, seals and the 12 V battery – will be approaching the end of their useful period. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the front‑right suspension arm ball joint, which has been flagged repeatedly for slight play, and to the nearside front ball joint that was recorded as excessively worn in 2025. A thorough visual inspection of the ball‑joint boots for cracks, oil seepage or corrosion, and a hands‑on test of the steering axis for any looseness, will reveal whether the joints are nearing the point of failure. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when negotiating bumps, and feel for any wandering or vague steering response that could indicate worn bushings or impending joint collapse. The front sub‑frame corrosion noted in both 2025 and 2024, although not yet structurally critical, should be examined for rust penetration around mounting bolts and welds; any sign of flaking or deep pitting may necessitate reinforcement or replacement. The off‑side front wheel distortion and tyre perishing advisories also merit a close check of the wheel rim for bends or cracks and a tyre tread depth measurement; replacement of the front right tyre and possibly the rim is advisable before the next service. Finally, address the broader age‑related items that have surfaced across the MOT record. Verify that the rear tyre tread is now above the legal 1.6 mm limit and inspect the remaining tyres for sidewall cracking, especially given the vehicle’s age. Confirm that the front‑right position lamp and windscreen washer pump have been repaired, as their failure was classed as a major fault. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and test the pads for sufficient thickness, as standing periods can cause disc corrosion and pad glazing. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and perform a load test to ensure adequate cranking power, and inspect all fluid reservoirs – coolant, brake fluid and engine oil – for signs of degradation or contamination, replacing them if service stamps are absent or the intervals exceed twelve months. A complete service history, particularly evidence of regular oil changes, suspension servicing and tyre rotations, will provide further confidence that the Fiesta’s mechanical condition aligns with its age and mileage.