2013 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · AV13 WHC

This 2013 Ford Fiesta presents a roadworthiness profile dominated by progressive structural and chassis corrosion alongside repeated tyre and steering component advisories, with the most recent test on 16 July 2026 recording a pass but flagging five separate items. Across the recorded MOT history, the front sub-frame corrosion advisory has appeared consistently from 2022 through 2026, demonstrating an ongoing deterioration of the front cross-member even though it has not yet reached the threshold of serious weakening. The rear coil springs were first noted as corroded in 2024 and repeated in 2025, while the offside rear shock absorber oil misting and steering rack inner joint play have been recurring defects since 2022. Two failures are on file, both relating to dangerous front tyre tread conditions combined with other major defects; the July 2025 failure notably included a fractured nearside front coil spring, a serious mechanical failure that was rectified prior to the pass the following day. The overall trend is not one of improvement but rather of accumulating corrosion-related advisories layered on top of consumable wear. With 115,751 miles recorded over approximately 13 years, the Fiesta has averaged around 8,900 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for its age. There are no extended gaps in the testing history that would suggest long periods off the road, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent with steady daily use. This level of accumulation on a 13-year-old vehicle means that wear-rate components such as suspension bushes, ball joints, brake discs and pads, and exhaust mounting rubbers will have already been subjected to considerable service life. The repeated advisories on steering rack inner joints and anti-roll bar linkage play, combined with the fractured coil spring failure, are consistent with the kind of cumulative chassis wear expected at this mileage rather than indicating any unusual usage pattern. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the front sub-frame and rear coil spring areas, as corrosion advisories here have been present at every test for several years. On inspection, look for any visible bubbling or flaking of paint on the sub-frame mounting points, and check the rear spring pans for surface rust that may be developing into section loss. On the test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar linkage ball joints or deteriorating bushes, and pay attention to any vagueness or rattle through the steering wheel that could indicate worsening play in the rack inner joints. The fractured nearside front coil spring failure in 2025 warrants checking that the replacement spring seat and surrounding area on that side are intact, and listening for any abnormal noise from the front suspension over speed bumps. Given the recurring advisories on inner-edge front tyre wear, particularly on the nearside, the wheel alignment should be checked before any new tyres are fitted, as uneven wear of this nature often points to worn suspension bushes or slight geometry deviation. The offside rear shock absorber oil misting noted in 2022 should be re-examined, as continued seepage can lead to reduced damping and a bouncy, unsettled ride over undulating surfaces. The frayed offside front seat belt webbing flagged in 2025 should be inspected to confirm a proper repair or replacement has been carried out, as seat belt integrity is critical to safety. Finally, request a thorough inspection beneath the vehicle on a ramp to assess the extent of the sub-frame corrosion directly, as advisory-level corrosion today can progress to a fail category within one or two test cycles.