2016 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · AX16 KMA

The most recent MOT inspection on 09 July 2026 resulted in a pass with no recorded defects, which suggests that the immediate mechanical issues identified in previous years have been addressed. Looking at the broader maintenance trend, the vehicle has experienced a period of instability between 2021 and 2025, characterized by recurring advisories and failures related to suspension components and tyre condition. While the most recent result indicates a clean bill of health, the history shows a pattern of reactive maintenance rather than proactive upkeep, particularly regarding the management of consumable items and suspension bushings. With a recorded mileage of 63,047 over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,300 miles per year. This is considered low-to-moderate annual usage, which is typical for a secondary or urban commuter vehicle. While lower mileage generally implies less wear on the drivetrain and engine, it can often lead to other issues such as tyre perishing due to age rather than tread wear, and potential corrosion on brake discs or exhaust components from infrequent use. The mileage is consistent with the vehicle's age, suggesting it has not been subjected to excessive heavy-duty use, but the history of tyre degradation suggests it may have spent significant periods stationary. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension and steering systems during a test drive. The MOT history shows a persistent issue with rear axle swivel pins, bushes, and trailing arm bushes, which have been noted as worn or delaminated across multiple years. You should listen for any knocking, clunking, or thudding sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as these are classic symptoms of degraded suspension bushings. Additionally, the previous failure regarding a fractured nearside rear coil spring and advisories concerning track rod ends and steering rack inner joints suggest that the steering and suspension geometry may be sensitive. Ensure the steering feels precise and does not pull to one side or vibrate excessively at motorway speeds. Tyre condition is another critical area for inspection. The vehicle has a documented history of tyres being both worn to the legal limit and perishing due to age-related cracking. Even if the current tyres have deep tread, you must inspect the sidewalls and the grooves between the tread blocks for any signs of cracking or hardening, which indicates the rubber is becoming brittle. Given the history of uneven tyre wear, check the current set for inconsistent wear patterns on the inner or outer edges, which could indicate misaligned geometry. Finally, because the mileage is relatively low, verify the service history to ensure that fluids such as engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid have been changed according to calendar intervals rather than just mileage, to prevent internal degradation from long periods of inactivity.