2017 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · BA66 FFB

The 2017 Ford Fiesta most recently passed its MOT test on 19 May 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, marking the fourth consecutive clean pass. The previous tests in May 2022, May 2023, and May 2024 all returned similarly fault-free results, indicating a stable and consistent maintenance trend with no deterioration flagged by DVSA examiners over the four most recent test cycles. The absence of advisories throughout this period is particularly reassuring, as advisories would typically point to wear items beginning to approach their service limits. Taken at face value, the official record suggests a vehicle that has been well maintained and presented in sound mechanical condition at each annual inspection. With 39,875 miles recorded against an age of approximately nine years, this Fiesta has covered an average of around 4,431 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical annual mileage for a car of this type. Such low usage is a double-edged factor for any prospective purchaser. On one hand, the mechanical internals including the engine, gearbox, clutch, and drivetrain will have experienced minimal wear relative to age. On the other hand, low and irregular use is well known to bring its own set of age-related issues, particularly corrosion of brake discs and callipers from extended standing, deterioration of rubber components, and degradation of fluids and electrical systems through calendar age rather than active service. Given the clean MOT record, attention during a physical inspection should focus on the issues that the standard test may not fully capture. The brake discs should be closely examined for surface rust and pitting, particularly around the outer edges and inner faces, as prolonged standing causes corrosion that can lead to juddering or grinding under braking. The handbrake mechanism and rear calipers should be checked for seizing, a common fault on lightly used Fiestas, and the brake fluid should be tested for moisture content, as it is hygroscopic and degrades on a time basis irrespective of mileage. The 12-volt battery is also a likely candidate for replacement given the vehicle's age, and a load test is advisable before purchase. Tyres warrant particular scrutiny for sidewall cracking and perishing caused by UV exposure and age, even if the tread depth remains adequate, and any tyres older than five years should be regarded as due for renewal. Further checks appropriate to this age and usage profile should include a thorough inspection of the underside and suspension components for corrosion and seized bushes, especially given the Fiesta's known susceptibility to rear axle corrosion in earlier production runs. Coolant and gearbox oil should be assessed for condition and confirmed as being changed on a time-based schedule rather than purely mileage, as both degrade chemically over years of service. The exhaust system should be examined for internal corrosion and mounting deterioration, and the cambelt and water pump replacement history verified, as on this generation of Fiesta the timing belt is due at ten years or 100,000 miles. Finally, ensuring that the service book contains regular annual stamps, even at low mileage, will provide confidence that oil and filter changes have been carried out on a calendar basis, which is the single most important factor in preserving the long-term health of the engine in a low-mileage car of this vintage.