2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · AP15 AAU

The most recent DVSA examination on 25 June 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which immediately indicates that the vehicle met all statutory roadworthiness requirements at that point. Reviewing the recent history, the trend is broadly stable, with passes in 2024 and 2025 and the only failure being an isolated emissions-related issue concerning the exhaust lambda sensor reading at the 2025 test, which was subsequently rectified to achieve a pass on the same day. The advisory items noted in early 2024 have not reappeared in subsequent tests, suggesting that the rear axle swivel pin and bush wear, together with the tyre condition issues, were either addressed or have not progressed significantly within the two-year window. Overall, the maintenance profile is consistent and reassuring, with no recurring structural or safety-related defects and no evidence of escalating mechanical deterioration. With a recorded mileage of 48,062 miles over approximately eleven years, this Fiesta has covered an average of around 4,370 miles per annum, which is considerably below the typical annual mileage for a supermini of this era. Such low usage is not inherently problematic but does carry specific mechanical implications, principally relating to components that degrade through time rather than wear. Long periods of standing or only short journeys can lead to moisture accumulation in the engine oil, glazing of the brake discs from infrequent use, premature ageing of rubber components, and undercharging of the 12-volt battery due to insufficient alternator run time. It is therefore important not to be lulled into a false sense of security by the modest odometer reading, as calendar-based deterioration will still be advancing regardless of how few miles the car has actually travelled. From a buyer inspection perspective, particular attention should be paid to the condition of all four tyres, including the sidewalls, as rubber compounds typically begin to perish and crack after six to eight years irrespective of tread depth, and the 2024 advisories on the offside rear and offside front tyres confirm that age-related degradation has already been observed. The brake discs and calipers should be examined for surface corrosion and any signs of binding or seizing, as vehicles that stand for extended periods are prone to corroded caliper slides and pitted disc faces which can cause brake shudder, pulling, or uneven pad wear under load. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as low-mileage cars with predominantly short journeys frequently suffer from chronic undercharging, leading to reduced cranking performance and premature failure. The rear suspension should be raised and inspected with particular reference to the swivel pins and bushes that were flagged as slightly worn in 2024, as these components are known wear items on the Fiesta platform and progressive deterioration can manifest as knocking or clunking over speed humps and uneven tyre wear across the rear axle. Coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil should be confirmed as within service intervals, as these fluids degrade over time and an eleven-year-old low-mileage example may well be overdue a fluid refresh despite the modest odometer. A thorough test drive should be conducted paying particular attention to cold-start behaviour, clutch bite point, steering feel, and any warning lights on the dashboard, with an extended road section to confirm that the lambda sensor replacement undertaken after the 2025 failure has resolved the emissions concern without introducing new symptoms such as rough idle or excess fuel consumption.