2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · AL09 HLS

The defining mechanical story of this 2018 Ford Fiesta centres on a pattern of recurring front-end wear items rather than any single catastrophic failure, with the most recent test on 29 May 2026 returning a pass alongside advisories for a damaged windscreen and worn front brake discs. Across the recorded history, the brakes have been a consistent theme, with front pads noted as wearing thin in 2022 and 2023, and brake disc condition now flagged in 2026, suggesting progressive wear that a buyer should treat as an upcoming maintenance item. The single failure on file, recorded on 16 September 2025, was triggered by a dangerous offside front tyre with exposed ply or cords, and the same test also noted a nearside front tyre at the legal limit and a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel, indicating that the tyre and wheel condition on this vehicle warrants close scrutiny at the point of sale. Overall, the trajectory is not deteriorating sharply, but the pattern of advisories shows that consumable wear items on the front axle have been flagged at multiple consecutive tests. Mileage accumulation across the recorded tests appears broadly consistent with average use for a vehicle of this age, with annual mileage of roughly 9,361 miles based on the current reading of 74,888 miles. There is a noticeable interval between the 2021 test and the 2022 test, which could reflect either a change in usage pattern or a period during which the vehicle was not presented for testing, though the gap is not extreme enough to raise significant concern about prolonged standing. The mileage progression across the recorded tests does not show any sudden spikes or unusual gaps that would suggest inconsistent use, meaning the wear items observed in the MOT record are broadly proportionate to the mileage accrued. For a Fiesta of this age and mileage, consumable wear on brakes, tyres, and suspension components is entirely typical, and the recorded pattern aligns with what would be expected for a car that has seen regular mixed-use driving rather than any extreme operating conditions. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas are the front brake discs and pads, the front tyres, and the nearside front wheel. The 2026 advisory for pitted or scored front brake discs, combined with earlier advisories for thin front pads, means the discs may now require machining or replacement alongside a fresh set of pads; on a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsing through the brake pedal under firm application, and check for pulling to one side which could indicate uneven disc wear or a binding caliper. The nearside front road wheel was noted as slightly distorted in 2025, so inspect it closely for any visible buckle, cracking around the rim, or loss of bead seal, and during the test drive feel for vibration through the steering wheel, particularly at higher speeds, which would suggest the distortion has worsened. The dangerous tyre failure in 2025, combined with repeated advisories for edge wear on the front tyres in 2023, points to potential tracking misalignment or worn suspension components contributing to uneven tyre wear, so a four-wheel alignment check would be prudent and the buyer should budget for a full set of front tyres. Beyond the flagged items, a physical inspection should include a close look at the windscreen, which was recorded as damaged in the most recent test, to confirm the damage remains outside the driver's primary line of sight and has not progressed since. Check the offside rear tyre for any signs of cracking or perishing, as this was flagged in both 2022 and 2023, and bear in mind that rubber degradation can continue even after replacement, so inspect its current condition carefully. The near-side front suspension should be examined for worn bushes, dropped links, or weak coil springs, particularly given the front-end focus of the advisories, and on the test drive listen for any clonks or knocking over uneven road surfaces, or for a noticeably harsh ride that could indicate spring fatigue. Finally, verify that the windscreen washer system is fully functional and delivers adequate fluid to both front jets, as this was a fail item in 2022, and confirm there are no dashboard warning lights illuminated, particularly for the anti-lock braking system or electronic stability control, which can sometimes illuminate on Fiestas of this generation.