2016 Ford Fusion 1.5L Petrol · AY66 FLL

A single advisory cluster on the most recent test, dated 18 February 2024, is the defining feature of this 2016 Ford Fusion's MOT history, with all four tyres flagged as worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge. The earlier recorded tests in August 2021 and August 2022 both passed with no advisories or defects, indicating that this tyre-related concern is a relatively recent development rather than a long-standing pattern. The advisory wording of worn close to legal limit suggests that the tread depth was measured at or near the 1.6 mm threshold, which is a serviceable but borderline state, and the simultaneous flagging across all four corners points towards either age-related wear, a wheel alignment issue, or a combination of both. Importantly, no advisories were recorded for suspension components, brake condition, corrosion, exhaust integrity, or lighting, which are the typical chronic wear points on a Fusion of this age and mileage. With 76,577 miles accumulated over roughly ten years, the vehicle is running at approximately 7,658 miles per year, which sits close to the national average for a car of this vintage. The MOT testing record shows a gap between August 2022 and February 2024 of approximately eighteen months, which is consistent with a vehicle that may have been subject to a change in keeper, a period of lighter use, or simply a delay in presenting the car for testing after the standard anniversary date. Mechanically, this mileage profile is moderate rather than extreme, meaning that consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and wiper blades will have experienced typical wear cycles, while major drivetrain and structural components should still have substantial service life remaining if no adverse advisories have been recorded. The all-four-tyres advisory from the 2024 test is the primary area requiring attention before purchase, and a physical inspection of the tyres themselves is essential rather than relying on the MOT outcome alone. Check the current tread depth across the full width of each tyre, as edge wear specifically suggests that the inner or outer shoulder is scrubbing more rapidly than the centre, which is a classic symptom of incorrect camber, toe misalignment, or worn suspension bushes and ball joints. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to steering wander or pulling to one side under braking, both of which would suggest the underlying geometry issue has progressed. Examine the sidewalls for any cracking, bulging, or uneven shoulder wear, and confirm that all four tyres are of matching brand, size, and tread pattern, as mixing mismatched tyres can itself trigger uneven wear patterns. Beyond the tyre situation, the absence of any corrosion advisories on a ten-year-old Ford is a positive data point, but a thorough underneath inspection remains worthwhile given the age. On the test drive, monitor brake pedal feel for any excessive travel, sponginess, or judder under firm application, which would indicate worn discs or binding calipers, neither of which has yet been flagged but could be approaching intervention given the mileage. Listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, a known sensitivity on the 1.5 and 1.6 Duratec and EcoBoost engines fitted to this generation of Fusion, and check for any blue smoke from the exhaust on startup which would point towards valve stem seal wear. Finally, confirm that the cooling system is holding pressure and that there are no fresh advisory items that may have been issued outside of the recorded testing window, as the MOT history alone only confirms roadworthiness at the specific dates recorded.