2014 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · BG64 KAO

The most recent MOT test on 27 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but this outcome requires careful qualification given the underlying failure recorded on the same date. The vehicle initially failed with several major defects, including a windscreen wiper not clearing effectively, excessively worn anti-roll bar linkage ball joints on both sides, a dangerously insecure nearside rear upper coil spring mounting, and a corroded and seriously weakened offside rear upper coil spring mounting, before subsequently passing after rectification. Reviewing the broader MOT history, the maintenance trend is clearly deteriorating rather than stable. Across 2024 and 2025 alone the vehicle has recorded four major failure defects relating to anti-roll bar linkage ball joints, two major suspension mounting corrosion failures at the outer sills, a dangerously failed rear coil spring mounting, and a major exhaust leak. Earlier years were relatively trouble free, but the recurrence of suspension and structural corrosion defects across consecutive annual tests points to progressive chassis wear now becoming a serious concern, particularly given that the rear coil spring mount was categorised as dangerous. The recorded mileage of 114,674 miles over approximately 12 years equates to an annual average of around 9,556 miles, which is broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage progression between annual MOT tests appears consistent and reasonably steady, with no evidence of significant gaps that would suggest prolonged periods standing unused or of unusually high annual accumulation that would imply motorway-heavy use. This pattern indicates the vehicle has been used regularly but moderately, which is generally favourable for mechanical longevity, although the upper end of the mileage bracket places meaningful wear on consumable items such as clutches, brake components, suspension bushes, and engine mounts. The combination of moderate-to-high mileage and a 12 year old vehicle also makes age-related degradation of rubber, electrical, and corrosion-prone components an additional factor to weigh against the mileage figures alone. For a prospective buyer, the recurring anti-roll bar linkage ball joint wear is a particularly important item to investigate, as this defect has now appeared across two consecutive annual MOTs. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, body roll instability during cornering, and vagueness in the steering response. The ball joints and drop link assemblies are relatively inexpensive to replace individually, but recurring failure on both nearside and offside sides may suggest that the wider front anti-roll bar bushings or the bar itself are worn, and the entire assembly should be inspected on a ramp. Equally concerning is the rear upper coil spring mounting defect recorded as dangerous, alongside the previous major failures for excessively corroded rear suspension mounting areas at the outer sills. These point to structural corrosion at the rear suspension turrets or inner wing areas. The vehicle should be thoroughly inspected on a ramp for any visible distortion, bubbling, or perforation around the rear spring seats, boot floor, and outer sills, as corrosion in these load-bearing areas can compromise structural integrity and become prohibitively expensive to rectify. Any clonking from the rear under load or uneven rear tyre wear may also indicate related movement. Beyond the recorded MOT defects, the age and mileage profile warrant several standard age-related inspections. Brake discs on a 12 year old car of this mileage are likely approaching or at the point of requiring replacement, and the caliper slide pins and guide bushes should be checked for seizure, particularly as the vehicle may have experienced periods of light use where corrosion can cause binding. Tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades with age, and the previous advisory for an offside rear tyre worn on edge suggests a possible tracking or suspension geometry concern worth checking. Given the exhaust leak failure recorded in 2024, the full exhaust system including the rear box, centre section, and front flexi-joint should be examined for corrosion and blowing joints. The 12 volt battery, coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil condition should also be verified, as fluids degrade with calendar age irrespective of mileage, and a full service history with evidence of recent cambric and fluid changes would significantly strengthen confidence in this vehicle. Finally, given the accumulating chassis and suspension concerns, a pre-purchase inspection by a reputable independent garage with the vehicle raised on a ramp would be strongly advisable.