2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · YR18 AAK

The most recent MOT on 23 June 2026 was a pass, but it carried three tyre‑wear advisories on the nearside front, off‑side rear and nearside rear, together with a note that the rear registration plate is deteriorating. Prior to that the car passed its 2025, 2024 and early‑2023 tests without comment, although it failed in May 2023 due to a dangerous rear‑tyre tread depth and a major fault where the engine malfunction‑indicator lamp (MIL) was inoperative. The record therefore shows a clear improvement after the 2023 failure, with the vehicle now meeting the statutory standards, though the tyre wear warnings indicate that the next service interval will likely require tyre replacement. At 53,797 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 6,700 mi per year over its eight‑year life, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage pattern. The mileage is not excessive, suggesting that the power‑train and major components have not been subjected to extreme stress, but the relatively low annual distance also hints that the car may have spent periods of inactivity. Such standing periods can accelerate the ageing of rubber compounds, battery plates and corrosion‑prone components, so age‑related wear should be examined alongside the mileage‑derived expectations. Prospective buyers should begin by measuring the tread depth of all four tyres; the advisories indicate that the nearside front, off‑side rear and nearside rear are already close to the 1.6 mm legal minimum and may be unevenly worn, which could point to mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or incorrect tyre pressures. On a test drive listen for any clunk or knock from the front suspension, check for pulling to one side, and verify that the steering feels tight without excessive play. The rear registration plate should be replaced promptly to avoid a future failure. The 2023 MIL fault suggests that the engine control unit may have previously logged a fault; confirm that the warning lamp illuminates on ignition, request a full OBD‑II scan for any stored codes, and ask the seller for evidence that any underlying issue—such as a sensor fault or emissions problem—has been rectified. Given the car’s age, inspect the 12‑volt battery for terminal corrosion and have its cranking voltage tested, as batteries can lose capacity after years of sitting. Examine the brake discs and pads for surface rust, glazing or uneven wear, especially on the rear where the tyre failure occurred; any pulsation or shudder under braking would warrant disc resurfacing or replacement. Check the condition of the suspension bushings, coil springs and anti‑roll bar links for signs of cracking or oil leakage, and verify that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the manufacturers’ time intervals, since fluids degrade even when the vehicle is not driven heavily. A thorough visual inspection of the under‑body for rust, particularly around the wheel arches and rear subframe, will help confirm that the Fiesta has been protected from corrosion during any periods of inactivity.