2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AP16 ADV

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 26 February 2026, though three advisories were recorded against the rear suspension. Both the nearside and offside rear coil springs were noted as corroded, and the nearside rear shock absorber was flagged for light oil misting. Looking at the broader test history, the maintenance trend has shifted from a period of consistently clean passes between 2019 and 2023 to a cluster of advisory items emerging from 2024 onwards. The earliest advisories concerned front brake pad wear and a perished rear tyre sidewall, followed in 2025 by pitted front brake discs and the same rear coil spring corrosion. The persistence of the coil spring corrosion across two consecutive tests confirms this is a progressive rather than transient issue, and the appearance of shock absorber misting in 2026 indicates the rear suspension assembly is now collectively showing age-related deterioration. Whilst none of these defects constitute a test failure at present, the trajectory suggests an owner should be budgeting for rear suspension refurbishment in the near term. With recorded mileage of 34,204 miles across approximately ten years, this Fiesta has covered around 3,400 miles annually, which is substantially below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 mile annual average for a vehicle of this type. This low usage pattern, combined with the consistent year-on-year MOT testing, suggests a car that has likely been used for short journeys rather than left standing for extended periods. Mechanically, lower annual mileage tends to preserve internal engine and drivetrain components through reduced wear cycles, but it does increase the likelihood of age-related degradation in items such as brake discs, suspension springs, and exhaust mounting rubbers. The annual mileage progression appears broadly steady rather than exhibiting any significant gaps or sudden accumulation phases, indicating a consistent ownership pattern throughout the vehicle's life. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension, as the recurring advisories on both coil springs and the shock absorber are unlikely to have resolved themselves. Coil spring corrosion typically begins at the lower coils where road salt and moisture collect, and if left unchecked, it can progress to the point of structural weakness or eventual fracture, particularly under load. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the rear over bumps, observe whether the vehicle sits level, and check for any visible sagging at the rear. Light oil misting from a shock absorber suggests the seal is beginning to fail; whilst not yet a failure item, it is a precursor to more significant leakage and eventual replacement. Also inspect the rear shock absorber body for any wet residue or contamination, and examine the surrounding bushes and mounting hardware for cracking or perishing. The front brake disc advisories from 2025 warrant attention given the low annual mileage, as brake discs fitted to vehicles used predominantly for short journeys are particularly susceptible to corrosion and pitting due to insufficient heat cycling to keep the surface clean and dry. On a test drive, brake firmly from approximately 30 mph and feel for any vibration or shudder through the steering wheel or brake pedal, which would indicate disc runout or thickness variation. Inspect the disc faces for deep ridging or corrosion, and check the current pad material thickness through the caliper aperture, as pads were already noted as wearing thin in 2024. Beyond the recorded advisories, a ten year old vehicle with low mileage deserves careful attention to age-related items that MOT testing does not fully cover, including tyre cracking and perishing on all four sidewalls, the condition and state of charge of the 12V battery, the age and clarity of all fluid including brake fluid, coolant and the manual transmission oil if fitted, and any corrosion forming on underbody components, exhaust hangers, and the fuel and brake line runs. Verify the service book stamps and confirm that cambelt replacement has been addressed in line with Ford's recommended interval, as a ten year old Fiesta will be approaching or past its second scheduled cambelt renewal depending on the engine variant fitted.