2015 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · AF65 HDD

The most recent MOT test on the 2015 Ford Fiesta recorded a passing outcome on 2026-04-08, but this follows a pattern of recurring advisories and one major failure that suggests the vehicle has not been fully addressed in previous tests. While the latest test did not flag any major issues, the history reveals persistent wear-related problems, particularly with brake pads, suspension components, and tyre condition. The repeated advisories—such as thin brake pads and corroded coil springs—indicate that maintenance has not been consistently prioritised, which could lead to compounding mechanical failures if not rectified promptly. The presence of a failed offside rear tyre with exposed cords is particularly critical, as this failure was deemed dangerous and must be resolved immediately to prevent catastrophic tyre failure while driving. The vehicle’s mileage of 75,288 miles over approximately 11 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 6,844 miles per annum, which is within the expected range for a car of this age. However, the MOT history does not reflect a consistent pattern of high-mileage wear alone; rather, it suggests periods of either underutilisation—evident from the gaps between tests—followed by potential accelerated wear or neglect. The offside track rod end ball joint with excessive play and the exposed tyre cords indicate that the vehicle has encountered significant mechanical stress or improper maintenance during certain periods. This combination of mileage and defect history underscores the need for thorough inspection, particularly focusing on suspension components, brakes, and tyre integrity, to avoid hidden wear progression that could compromise safety. Given the recurring advisories and the critical failure of the offside rear tyre with exposed cords, the prospective buyer must prioritise immediate action on these issues. The corroded coil springs and damaged upper mounting points on the rear suspension are advisories that may worsen with continued use, potentially leading to suspension failure, misalignment, or even structural instability if left untreated. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises such as clunks or rattles from the suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or at speed, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns that could indicate misalignment or suspension issues. The brake system should be inspected for signs of binding calipers, excessive brake pedal travel, or a shuddering sensation during braking, which may signal worn pads or warped discs. Additionally, verify that the offside stop lamp and direction indicator are functioning correctly, as these failures were noted in previous MOTs and could pose a risk if not repaired. For the buyer, the next steps should include a comprehensive mechanical inspection by a qualified technician to address the outstanding advisories and major failures. This should include replacing the exposed tyre cords, servicing the track rod end ball joint to eliminate excessive play, and replacing the corroded coil springs and damaged suspension mountings to restore proper suspension geometry. Beyond immediate repairs, the buyer should schedule a full service at the next recommended interval, which for a 11-year-old vehicle with moderate mileage should ideally be every 12 months or 12,000 miles, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. This service should cover fluid top-ups, particularly brake fluid and coolant, as well as checking the 12V battery health, given the age of the vehicle. Tyre sidewall inspection is also critical, as the advisories of worn tyres close to legal limits suggest potential perishing or cracking from age, which could compromise tyre integrity and safety. Finally, the buyer should verify that the vehicle’s service book or maintenance records are up to date, ensuring that scheduled intervals for oil changes, spark plugs, and other consumables have been adhered to, as calendar-based fluid degradation can accelerate wear even with moderate mileage.