2015 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · AF15 OGP

The most recent DVSA examination on 21 August 2026 recorded a PASS, though two advisories were issued which suggest the vehicle is entering a phase of age-related deterioration rather than entirely trouble-free condition. The advisory concerning slight corrosion to the ferrules of all four brake hoses warrants attention, as corroded ferrules can compromise the integrity of the hose-to-caliper or hose-to-chassis seal, potentially leading to fluid seepage under braking load. The further advisory noting that the rear exhaust silencer outer casing is corroded and breaking away is consistent with the same observation raised at the 2025 test, indicating a progressive condition rather than a resolved one. When reviewing the recent history, the 2024 test resulted in a Dangerous failure for a fractured offside rear coil spring and an illegal nearside rear tyre, alongside advisories for thinning front brake pads, perished rear tyre rubber, and an oil-misting offside front shock absorber. While the vehicle subsequently passed in 2025 and 2026, the recurring advisories relating to the rear exhaust, combined with earlier suspension, braking, and tyre concerns, point to a maintenance trend that is broadly stable but with accumulating wear items typical of a car now in its twelfth year. With 75,590 miles recorded over approximately 11 years, this Fiesta has averaged around 6,800 miles annually, which sits squarely within the expected range for a vehicle of its age and class and indicates regular rather than sporadic use. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the mileage progression between tests, and the annual accumulation has been consistent enough to suggest the car has been driven regularly enough to keep mechanical seals lubricated, the battery exercised, and corrosion from standing less likely to have taken a severe hold on the underbody or brake components. However, the moderate mileage does not insulate the car from time-based degradation, particularly given the calendar age of consumables such as rubber, plastics, and fluids, which deteriorate irrespective of distance covered. A prospective buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the brake hoses at all four corners, looking for any fluid weeping around the corroded ferrules and checking the hose bodies themselves for surface cracking or bulging, as these flexible components typically require replacement at this stage in a vehicle's life. The rear silencer should be examined from underneath for any perforations, hanging sections, or audible rattle on startup, as corroded casing invariably progresses to a blown exhaust, particularly given the advisory has now appeared on two consecutive tests. The offside front shock absorber, previously noted as misting oil, should be inspected for any worsening seepage or contamination of the coil, and during a test run particular attention should be paid to any knocking, clonking, or excessive bounce over uneven surfaces, especially given the history of a fractured rear coil spring in 2024. A fresh fractured coil would manifest as a clonking noise over bumps and visible vehicle sag at the affected corner, while a worn shock absorber tends to produce a looser, less controlled feel through corners and under heavy braking. Beyond the documented defects, age-appropriate checks remain essential. The tyres, although not raised as an advisory on the most recent test, should be closely inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking given the perished nearside rear tyre observed in 2024, as rubber degradation continues with time regardless of remaining tread depth. Brake discs, particularly at the rear, should be examined for any corrosion jacking or binding calipers that can occur with regular short journeys, and a handbrake test on a hill will reveal any seized rear mechanism. The 12-volt battery should be load tested, as an eleven-year-old unit is well beyond typical service life and prone to cold-weather failure. Fluid services, including brake fluid replacement which is recommended every two years irrespective of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature, engine coolant, and the timing belt or chain service history if applicable to this engine variant, should be verified through the service book. Finally, a thorough underbody examination for corrosion, paying particular attention to suspension subframes, wheel arches, and the rear axle beam, will be worthwhile given the vehicle's age and the recurring advisory regarding the rear silencer's deteriorated condition.