2015 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · AY65 CYV

Persistent rear suspension deterioration and rear axle mounting bush wear dominate this Fiesta's historical testing profile, culminating in a fractured coil spring in September 2024 before clearing entirely by the 18 May 2026 test. After four consecutive years of MOT advisories between 2022 and 2025 noting worn rear axle bushes, along with a major failure for a broken nearside rear coil spring, the vehicle secured a clean pass on 18 May 2026 with no listed defects. While this recent outcome indicates that critical suspension defects have been addressed to meet basic roadworthiness standards, the multi-year trail of advisories highlights a chassis that has undergone significant fatigue across its rear running gear. Accumulating 98,160 miles over eleven years equates to roughly 8,924 miles per year, reflecting a normal, steady usage pattern for a hatchback of this age. Regular driving helps prevent the mechanical issues associated with prolonged standing, such as seized brake calipers or dried engine seals. However, reaching close to 100,000 miles naturally means that core mechanical consumables—including shock absorbers, wheel bearings, clutch assemblies, and steering components—are approaching the end of their operational lifespan and require thorough evaluation. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the rear suspension architecture and underbody components during a physical inspection. Given the repeated history of axle bush deterioration and broken coil springs, inspect the rear beam mountings to verify whether fresh rubber bushes have actually been installed or if the current pass merely represents borderline compliance. On a test drive, listen carefully for heavy clunking or dull thuds coming from the rear assembly over speed bumps and rough road surfaces. Additionally, inspect the exhaust back box beneath the rear bumper; earlier tests noted that the outer skin was corroded and hanging down, so check for loose heat shields, rust, or blowing exhaust gases. The braking system also warrants a dedicated functional test, following an earlier advisory for a 38 percent rear brake imbalance with a weak nearside brake mechanism. On the road, apply the brakes firmly from moderate speeds to ensure the vehicle decelerates in a straight line without pulling to one side, pulsing through the pedal, or dragging from a binding rear drum. Finally, inspect all four tyres across their full tread width, checking specifically for feathering or heavy shoulder wear on the rear axle, which would indicate unaddressed rear axle misalignment or remaining bush play.