2015 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AF15 VMA

The most recent DVSA examination on 25 November 2025 resulted in a PASS, which is positive, but the assessment must be tempered by the broader trend across the recorded history. The vehicle passed tests in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 with progressively accumulating advisories, before suffering a Dangerous failure in November 2023 for a structurally compromised rear tyre and then a Major failure on 19 November 2025 for non-functional headlamp, stop lamp, and both windscreen washers, with that pass following just six days later. This pattern suggests the owner has been addressing issues promptly and the car is fundamentally roadworthy, but the cluster of electrical and lighting defects, combined with persistent tyre perishing advisories, indicates that routine consumable and minor component replacement has not been kept fully current. A prospective buyer should therefore view the maintenance trend as broadly stable rather than worsening, but with evidence of deferred attention to tyres and ancillary electrical items. With 75,216 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, the vehicle is averaging around 6,800 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a small Ford Fiesta of this era and points to consistent, moderate use rather than long periods of standing or high motorway accumulation. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the mileage progression between tests, and the steady accumulation is consistent with a mix of urban and suburban driving. Mechanically, this usage profile means the engine, clutch, and gearbox have seen normal wear for the mileage, the braking system has been worked regularly enough to resist corrosion binding, and the cooling system has not been left stagnant. Conversely, age-related degradation such as rubber perishing, oil seal hardening, and electrical connector oxidation should still be expected regardless of the modest annual mileage. A careful physical inspection is strongly advised given the recurring advisory pattern for tyres. The nearside and offside front tyres were flagged at the latest test as both worn close to the legal limit and perished, and both fronts were similarly noted as perishing heavily in 2024, indicating that the rubber compound is ageing faster than the tread is wearing. Perishing presents as fine cracking in the sidewalls and between tread blocks, and on a test drive the car may exhibit reduced grip in wet conditions, increased road noise, or a harsher ride. The nearside and offside rear axle swivel pins and bushes were also flagged as slightly worn at the latest test, so on a road inspection listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, check for uneven inner or outer rear tyre wear indicating geometry disturbance, and expect that these components may require replacement within the next twelve to twenty-four months if not addressed shortly. Beyond the recorded defects, several age-appropriate checks are warranted for an eleven year old vehicle at this mileage. The 12V battery should be load tested, since Fiesta batteries typically begin to fail between six and eight years of age, and a weak battery can also explain the recent headlamp and stop lamp failures if the alternator output was marginal. Brake discs should be inspected for lipping, and the calipers should be checked for smooth retraction by confirming the wheels rotate freely when unladen, as standing corrosion can cause binding that mimics a warped disc. Coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual gearbox lubricant should be verified against the service schedule, as these degrade by calendar age rather than mileage and are commonly overlooked. Finally, inspect the timing belt or chain history according to the Ford interval, examine the underside for any fluid weeping from the engine or transmission, and confirm the service book stamps match the recorded mileage to verify the maintenance narrative claimed by the seller.