2016 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · BX16 VVL

The vehicle failed its most recent MOT on 2026-01-29 despite having the same mileage as the subsequent pass on 2026-02-06, indicating that critical defects—particularly binding rear brakes, excessive wear on the nearside front suspension arm ball joint, and a damaged nearside front tyre—were rectified in time for the retest. The trend is clearly worsening, with recurring brake binding issues dating back to February 2025 and a progression from slight to excessive wear on the suspension ball joint over successive tests, suggesting deferred or inadequate repairs. Mileage has increased by just 7,794 miles over the past two years (from 95,193 miles in February 2025 to 103,912 miles in February 2026), aligning with the expected annual average of around 10,000 miles. However, a two-week gap between the failed and passed tests in late January/early February 2026 shows no change in odometer reading, confirming that repairs were carried out before the retest rather than further use masking the issues. The clean February 2024 test at 86,118 miles contrasts sharply with the deteriorating condition in the following years, especially after 2025. A buyer should prioritize a thorough inspection of the suspension system, especially the front ball joints, given the repeated advisories and eventual failure classification for excessive wear. The brake system requires close attention: binding calipers or seized slides on both rear wheels have been flagged multiple times since early 2025, and the 2026 failure noted excessive binding on one side, which may indicate failed hardware or poor-quality replacement parts. Tyre condition remains a concern—repeated advisories on edge wear and a ply exposure failure point to possible alignment or wheel bearing issues, and worn tyres should be checked for uneven wear patterns. A compression test or visual inspection for oil and coolant leaks near the turbo and crank pulley is also advised, as both were flagged as non-excessive but persistent in the latest tests.