2016 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · AF66 ABU

The most recent MOT test on the 2016 Ford Fiesta, conducted on 2025-11-19, resulted in a pass with three advisories rather than any failures, indicating a stable but not entirely flawless maintenance profile. The vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of passing tests with recurring tyre wear advisories—particularly on the front tyres—suggesting consistent but not excessive lateral or directional wear patterns. The absence of failures in the intervening years, combined with the presence of only advisory items, implies that while the car has seen some wear-related issues, they are manageable and not indicative of imminent structural or safety defects. However, the persistence of tyre edge wear and thin front brake pads warrants closer attention, as these could escalate if left unaddressed, especially given the vehicle’s age and accumulated mileage. The recorded mileage of 65,884 miles for a ten-year-old car represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,588 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and class. This usage level does not suggest either excessive wear from high mileage accumulation or prolonged idling that could accelerate corrosion or fluid degradation. However, the presence of tyre wear advisories at both the 2022 and 2025 MOTs—particularly on the front inner tyres—may hint at either underinflation, alignment issues, or uneven load distribution, which could have contributed to the edge wear pattern. Additionally, the exhaust backbox corrosion advisory from the latest MOT indicates that the vehicle has been exposed to moisture or harsh environmental conditions, which can accelerate rusting in the exhaust system, potentially leading to reduced efficiency or emissions compliance if not rectified. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination and test drive are the front tyres, brakes, and exhaust system. The tyre wear advisories suggest checking for any signs of uneven wear beyond the edges, such as central wear grooves or cupping, which could indicate suspension or steering component issues. During the test drive, listen for unusual noises from the front tyres, such as clunking or vibration, which may correlate with misalignment or worn suspension bushes. The thin front brake pads, flagged in the latest MOT, should prompt a closer inspection of the brake discs for signs of glazing, warping, or corrosion, as well as the condition of the brake calipers for binding or excessive play. Binding calipers can cause brake shudder or pulsation, particularly when braking hard, and may require adjustment or replacement if seized. Beyond the MOT advisories, the buyer should also verify the vehicle’s structural integrity and fluid condition. Given the car’s age, inspect the suspension components for signs of wear or damage, such as cracked coil springs, seized shock absorbers, or worn control arm bushings, which can lead to clunking noises over bumps. Check the brake fluid level and condition, as brake fluid degrades over time and can cause sponginess or reduced braking performance if replaced beyond its service interval. Additionally, the 12V battery should be tested for charge capacity and terminal corrosion, as a failing battery can lead to electrical gremlins or starting issues, particularly in older vehicles. Lastly, the exhaust system’s corrosion should be assessed visually, focusing on the backbox and intermediate pipes for signs of rust penetration, which could compromise structural integrity or emissions compliance. If the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, consider checking for tyre sidewall cracking or perishing, which can occur from prolonged exposure to UV light and temperature fluctuations, even at low mileage.