2013 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AO63 NAA

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 29 October 2025 with a single advisory relating to the front inner tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge on both sides. Across the eight recorded tests since 2018, the Fiesta has maintained an unbroken pass record with no failures, which indicates a broadly stable maintenance trend rather than a deteriorating mechanical picture. However, the recurrence of tyre-related advisories in both 2018 and 2025, alongside a suspension advisory in 2021 for worn trailing arm bushes on both sides at the rear, suggests that certain wear-prone components are being flagged periodically and should not be overlooked. A pattern of advisory-only items that reappear at intervals is typical of an ageing supermini and is not in itself a red flag, but it does point to areas that warrant focused physical inspection before purchase. With 60,014 miles recorded over approximately thirteen years, this Fiesta has covered an average of around 4,600 miles annually, which is well below the typical mileage for a car of its age and class. Such low usage can stem from a mixture of light regular driving and prolonged standing periods, both of which carry their own mechanical implications. Extended standing tends to accelerate corrosion on brake discs, lead to binding or seized caliper pistons, degrade the 12V battery through repeated shallow discharge cycles, and cause rubber components such as bushes, seals, and gaiters to harden and perish prematurely. Conversely, the relatively gentle annual mileage means the engine, clutch, and major drivetrain components have likely experienced less cumulative wear than the age alone might suggest, provided the servicing schedule has been adhered to. Given the advisory history, particular attention should be paid to the front suspension and steering geometry, as the inner-edge tyre wear noted at the latest test often points to worn front suspension components such as strut top bearings, wishbone bushes, drop links, or track rod ends that are allowing the wheels to sit out of alignment. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness in the steering or any pulling to one side under braking. The rear trailing arm bushes flagged in 2021 should be re-examined, as rubber bushes of this type tend to deteriorate progressively; a noticeable rear-end thump or instability over rough roads would suggest they are due for replacement. Uneven or feathered wear across both front tyres should be checked visually, and a four-wheel alignment measurement obtained if any irregularity is detected. Beyond the advisory items, a prospective buyer of a low-mileage thirteen-year-old Fiesta should carry out several age- and use-related checks that the MOT history alone will not reveal. Inspect all tyres closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and bulges, as rubber degrades with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and pay particular attention to the condition of the rear pair which may still be original or only lightly worn. Examine the brake discs for any significant corrosion ridges on the outer edges, which can cause brake shudder on the first application, and verify that the calipers are releasing cleanly without the pads binding against the discs. Check that the 12V battery is holding voltage under load and confirm the date stamp, as a thirteen-year-old car may well be on its second or third battery. Finally, verify the service book or digital service record to confirm that time-based items such as coolant, brake fluid, and the cambelt replacement on the 1.25 or 1.4 Duratec engine have been addressed at the correct intervals, as low annual mileage can allow these intervals to be overlooked in favour of distance-based servicing alone.