2013 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · CE63 VGF

A pattern of front suspension wear sits at the centre of this Fiesta's MOT record. The earliest tests from 2021 through early 2023 were clean, but a Major failure was recorded on 3 May 2023 for an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, after which the same date produced a Pass. Since then, advisories have flagged slight play in the offside front outer track rod end ball joint on two consecutive tests in May 2024 and again at the most recent test on 1 May 2026. Two advisories across consecutive annual tests on the same component, alongside a prior ball joint failure on the opposite side, indicate that the steering and front suspension joints are undergoing progressive wear rather than a one-off replacement. The absence of any other advisories across eight recorded tests keeps the overall outcome largely stable, but the localised trend in the front axle is the defining mechanical risk for the next owner. With 115,722 miles accumulated over roughly thirteen years, the annual mileage averages around 8,900 miles, which sits in the middle of what is typical for a car of this age. Testing has occurred annually without any multi-year lay-up gaps, and the mileage progression between tests has been steady rather than erratic, suggesting consistent use. This kind of usage pattern tends to keep seals, oil, brake fluid and tyres in regular circulation, but it also means the clutch, engine internals and suspension components have done meaningful work. Given the recorded mileage, consumables such as brake pads and discs, shock absorbers and exhaust mounts will have been subjected to considerable cumulative wear even where no defects have yet been recorded. For a prospective buyer, the priority on any inspection should be the front suspension and steering assembly. Listen for clonks or knocking from the front end over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, particularly when turning, and feel for vagueness or delay in the steering response which would suggest the track rod end play has worsened beyond the slight movement already noted. With the engine off, rock each front wheel at the top and bottom while watching for movement at the ball joint locations, and visually inspect the lower suspension arms for perished or cracked rubber bushes and any signs of grease leakage from the ball joint gaiters. Given that a nearside lower arm ball joint has already failed once, the condition of the entire arm assembly on that side after replacement is worth confirming, as aftermarket parts on this component can wear prematurely. The nearside rear tyre flagged for slight damage or perishing at the 2026 test should also be checked in person, as advisory-level cracking can progress between tests and MOT standards on sidewall condition are strict. Inspect all four tyres for tread depth and even wear, paying particular attention to the inside edges which can feather under worn suspension bushes. On the test drive, expect the clutch to feel heavier after 115,000 miles and listen for any slipping under load in fourth or fifth gear, while also monitoring for vibration through the steering wheel which would suggest wheel imbalance or a worn tie bar bush. There are no recorded advisories relating to brakes, corrosion, exhaust emissions or structural integrity, so the mechanical focus should remain squarely on the front axle components already identified in the history.