2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · BP14 WFL

A broadly encouraging roadworthiness profile emerges from this Ford Fiesta's MOT history, with four consecutive passes and no recorded failures, though a small cluster of advisories points toward minor wear items beginning to surface as the car enters its twelfth year. The most recent test on 30 September 2025 was passed cleanly, but flagged a slightly discoloured front direction indicator on both sides together with play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. Two earlier tests returned completely clean sheets, while the 2022 and 2021 examinations noted rear tire wear approaching the legal tread limit, plus a minor windscreen chip and a water-damaged rear reflector. The absence of any corrosion advisories, brake or suspension failures, exhaust issues, or lighting defects across six years of testing is a positive indicator for a vehicle of this age, and the advisory trend remains stable rather than worsening, though the steering rack play is the one item a buyer should treat as a developing concern worth monitoring. With a recorded mileage of 39,862 miles spread across roughly twelve years, this Fiesta has averaged only about 3,322 miles annually, which is notably low for a car of its vintage. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record, suggesting the vehicle has remained in continuous use rather than being laid up for extended periods, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent and modest. Lower annual mileage generally preserves the braking system, clutch, drivetrain, and engine internals, but it can accelerate deterioration of rubber components, brake discs (which can corrode and cause judder after light use), and underbody items exposed to standing moisture without the benefit of regular warm running. The minor windscreen damage and rear reflector defect recorded in 2021 both resolved naturally and were not repeated, consistent with light general use rather than active neglect, but the steering rack inner joint advisory in 2025 is the kind of wear item that can develop on a low-mileage example and warrants attention. For a prospective buyer, the priority mechanical items to investigate on inspection and test drive are concentrated around the front suspension and steering geometry. The advisory noting play in the offside front steering rack inner joint should prompt a careful check for any knocking, clonking, or slack through the steering as you turn from lock to lock at low speed, and for any vagueness or wandering on the road at higher speed. With the vehicle stationary and the engine off, rocking each front wheel by hand at three and nine o'clock will help reveal any further wear in the inner tie rods or rack bushes beyond what the MOT examiner recorded. Equally, listen for any creaking or rattling from the front suspension over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, as low-mileage Fiestas of this generation can develop perished anti-roll bar drop links and worn lower wishbone bushes that are not always immediately apparent at MOT speed. The recurring rear tire wear pattern flagged in 2021 and 2022, both noting the offside rear tire worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, suggests either a tracking issue or simply tires that were left on too long between rotations, and a buyer should check the current tread depth across the rear axle as well as the fronts, looking for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear that could point to rear wheel alignment concerns. With twelve years of service, it is also worth inspecting all visible rubber components including the brake hoses, CV boot gaiters, and steering rack gaiters for perishing or splits, as these tend to harden with age regardless of mileage. A thorough road test should cover firm pedal braking from about 40 mph to confirm there is no vibration through the pedal or steering wheel, which would indicate warped front discs common to lightly driven cars, and the direction indicators should be observed for consistent brightness, given the slight discolouration noted on both front units at the most recent test. Overall, this presents as a low-mileage, well-maintained example with only minor advisories, but the steering rack play is the one item that justifies a hands-on inspection before committing.