2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AX63 EEG

The most recent MOT test for this 2014 Ford Fiesta was conducted on 2025-09-19 and passed without any recorded defects, marking a positive turnaround following a series of failures and advisories in the preceding two years. The vehicle’s MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues, particularly with the nearside rear wheel alignment and front brake pad wear, which were noted as advisories in 2023 but escalated to a major failure in 2021 due to a deep cut in the nearside rear tyre reaching the ply. The track rod end ball joint also consistently showed excessive play or slight play in multiple MOTs, indicating progressive wear in the suspension linkage. While the 2025 test is clean, the prior failures suggest that the vehicle has had significant mechanical challenges, likely stemming from either neglect or underlying structural or component fatigue. The fact that the latest MOT passed without defects may reflect either timely maintenance or the vehicle’s resilience to certain wear patterns, but the buyer should remain vigilant about these recurring issues and address them promptly to prevent further deterioration. The recorded mileage of 100,451 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 12 years represents a moderate annual usage rate of around 8,371 miles, which is within the expected range for a car of this age and class. However, the MOT history does not provide explicit details on whether the mileage accumulation was gradual or sudden, but the presence of multiple failures—particularly in suspension and tyre components—could imply either high-stress driving conditions or periods of prolonged standing that exacerbated wear. For instance, the nearside rear wheel distortion and track rod end ball joint issues might have been exacerbated by uneven loading or prolonged idling, which can lead to misalignment or premature fatigue in suspension components. Additionally, the deep cut in the nearside rear tyre in 2021 suggests that the vehicle was driven with a tyre that had already reached critical failure, underscoring the importance of regular tyre rotation and monitoring for signs of excessive wear or damage. The absence of a clear pattern of rapid mileage accumulation does not entirely mitigate these risks, so the buyer should consider the vehicle’s usage history and any potential for misuse or neglect. To conduct a thorough physical inspection of this Ford Fiesta, the prospective buyer should prioritise checking the suspension components for signs of further deterioration, particularly the track rod ends and rear wheel alignment. The nearside rear wheel distortion and track rod end ball joint issues from the MOT history indicate that the suspension geometry may be compromised, leading to uneven tyre wear, clunking noises when driving over bumps, or a feeling of instability at higher speeds. Inspect the track rod ends for signs of oil leakage, excessive play (which could be felt as a rattling or grinding sensation when the vehicle is driven), or wear on the ball joints themselves. The rear wheel alignment should be verified by examining the tyre tread patterns for signs of understeer or oversteer, which may indicate camber or caster misalignment. Additionally, the brake system should be scrutinised for signs of uneven brake pad wear, binding calipers, or corrosion on the brake discs, especially on the near side where thin pad wear was noted. Listen for any unusual noises during braking, such as grinding or squeaking, which could signal disc warping or pad contamination. Beyond mechanical checks, the buyer should also address the tyre condition comprehensively. The advisories from 2021 regarding tyre cracking or perishing on the front offside and rear offside tyres, combined with the deep cut in the nearside rear tyre, highlight the need for a full tyre inspection. Check for sidewall cracking or perishing, which can weaken the tyre structure and lead to sudden failure, particularly in older vehicles where rubber compounds degrade over time. Ensure all tyres meet the minimum legal tread depth and inspect for any remaining cuts or bulges. Given the vehicle’s age and the history of tyre-related MOT failures, it may be prudent to replace the tyres sooner rather than later, especially if they have accumulated significant wear or damage. Furthermore, the 12V battery should be tested for health, as prolonged periods of standing or low usage can lead to battery degradation or failure, which may not be immediately apparent but could cause starting issues or electrical system failures. Finally, while the MOT history is clean in recent years, the buyer should verify that the vehicle has received the recommended fluid servicing, including brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, as these fluids degrade over time and can lead to system failures if not replaced at the appropriate intervals. For a 12-year-old vehicle with its recorded mileage, a comprehensive service history would be highly beneficial, but if not available, the buyer should prioritise addressing the known wear and tear issues outlined in the MOT records to ensure long-term reliability.