2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · AF18 AET

The most recent MOT test conducted on 23 March 2026 resulted in a pass with no recorded defects. Reviewing the historical data, the vehicle demonstrates a stable maintenance trend. Although there was a failure recorded on 27 March 2024, it was resolved within the same day, and the subsequent two years of testing have shown no recurring issues or escalating advisories. This suggests that any mechanical faults identified in the past were addressed promptly and that the vehicle is currently maintaining a high standard of roadworthiness. With a recorded mileage of 53,576 miles over approximately eight years, the vehicle has covered an average of roughly 6,700 miles per year. This constitutes relatively low annual usage compared to the UK average. While this lower mileage generally implies less mechanical fatigue on the drivetrain, engine, and transmission, it also suggests the vehicle may have experienced periods of inactivity. Low-usage vehicles often bypass the typical wear seen on high-mileage cars but can be susceptible to different issues related to standing time. Because the MOT history is clean and lacks specific advisories, your inspection should focus on age-related degradation rather than wear-and-tear. I recommend a thorough examination of the tyres, specifically looking for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur due to age and UV exposure even if the tread depth remains high. You should also inspect the brake discs for excessive corrosion or pitting, which is common in vehicles that are not driven frequently enough to keep the surfaces clean. During your test drive, listen for any signs of binding calipers or brake shudder, which could indicate uneven corrosion or sticking components. Furthermore, you must verify the service history to ensure that time-based maintenance has been strictly followed. Since the vehicle is not driven heavily, components like engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant should be changed based on the calendar rather than just mileage to prevent fluid degradation and internal contamination. It is also prudent to check the health of the 12V battery, as infrequent driving can lead to sulphation and reduced cranking power. Finally, listen for any subtle knocks or clunks from the suspension during low-speed manoeuvres, as rubber bushes and coil springs can perish over time due to environmental exposure regardless of the distance travelled.