2015 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · AD15 COU

The most recent DVSA examination on 17 May 2022 resulted in a pass, though it was accompanied by two advisories: an oil leak deemed not excessive and front tyres worn close to the legal limit on both edges. Reviewing the broader history, the maintenance trend is one of intermittent but recurring concern rather than outright decline. The 2022 pass, the clean 2020 and 2019 early-summer tests, and the 2018 pass all show that the vehicle has been broadly roadworthy between interventions, yet two failure events in 2019 and 2021 are significant. In October 2021 the vehicle was failed with dangerous brake pads at both front and rear, a major offside suspension arm ball joint defect, and a non-functioning dipped headlamp. The 2019 failure also involved an offside front suspension arm ball joint, and advisories relating to tyre wear or damage appeared repeatedly across 2019, 2021, and 2022. This pattern suggests that braking, front suspension, and tyre condition have been recurrent areas of attention over the life of the vehicle, rather than one-off isolated issues. At eleven years old with 69,635 recorded miles, the Fiesta has covered approximately 6,330 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age and class. There are no substantial gaps in recorded mileage that would suggest long periods of standing, and equally no evidence of unusually high annual accumulation. This average usage pattern is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, as it implies regular operation which tends to keep seals, brakes, and the 12V battery in better condition than a similarly aged low-mileage or stored example. However, given that the vehicle is now approximately fourteen years old if used continuously since the latest MOT entry, calendar-based degradation of rubber, plastics, and fluids must still be considered regardless of the modest annual mileage. The mileage progression between tests, particularly between late 2020 and late 2021, should be examined to ensure consistency with the odometer and service records. Given the documented defects, several mechanical areas warrant close physical inspection and test-drive attention. The repeated advisories and failure on the offside front suspension arm ball joint indicate that the front wishbone assemblies and bushes should be inspected for perished rubber, splits, and excessive play. On a road test, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven bumps, or when turning at low speed, and check for uneven inner or outer tyre wear which would suggest worn geometry components. The dangerous brake pad failures at both axles in 2021 suggest the braking system should be carefully examined. On a test drive, expect any remaining brake shudder under firm pedal application, pulling to one side, or a soft or spongy pedal feel. Inspect the brake discs for lipping, corrosion pitting around the outer edges, and check that all calipers are releasing correctly without binding, especially the rear drum or caliper mechanisms where corrosion can cause sticking. The 2021 headlamp failure also warrants verification that both dipped and main beam lamps function correctly and that any aftermarket bulbs or wiring modifications are sound. Beyond the documented advisories, the vehicle's age and the likely passage of time since the last recorded MOT entry demand attention to areas that degrade through calendar ageing rather than mileage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking and perishing, particularly on the offside front which has been flagged repeatedly for edge wear, and all four tyres should be checked for manufacturing date codes, with replacements considered if they exceed roughly six years of age. The reported oil leak, although not excessive in 2022, should be re-examined visually underneath for drips from the sump, cam cover, or oil filter housing, and the coolant system should be checked for condition and age of the coolant, which typically requires renewal every few years to prevent internal corrosion. The 12V battery should be load-tested, particularly if the vehicle has seen periods of short journeys or standing. Given the front bumper damage noted in 2021, the vehicle should also be inspected for evidence of accident repair, ensuring panel gaps remain consistent and structural mounting points are sound, as the Fiesta's crash structure relies on correctly aligned front-end components for safety. A full service history with stamps confirming regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, together with evidence of cambelt replacement if applicable to the engine variant, would substantially reinforce confidence in this otherwise mechanically capable and economical supermini.