2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · CE64 SFV

A clear pattern of progressive wear emerges across the suspension, braking and body‑work areas, with the latest MOT on 11 October 2025 confirming oil‑misting on both front shock absorbers and corrosion of the rear coil springs, while earlier tests repeatedly flagged front brake disc scoring, fluctuating service‑brake response and rear suspension arm bush wear. The record shows a mixture of passes and isolated failures – notably a seat‑belt buckle fault in 2023 – indicating that while the car has remained road‑worthy overall, several key components are approaching the end of their service life and will likely need attention soon. At 81,709 mi recorded over a twelve‑year lifespan the average annual mileage sits around 6,800 mi, which sits comfortably within normal usage for a small family hatchback. There are no prolonged gaps in the MOT history, suggesting the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than stored for extended periods. This moderate mileage aligns with the observed wear patterns: components such as the front shocks, brake discs and rear suspension bushes are showing age‑related deterioration consistent with a vehicle that has accumulated typical road kilometres rather than being subjected to extreme abuse. When you inspect the car, pay particular attention to the front suspension for any oil seepage around the shock absorber mounts and listen for a soft thump or excessive bounce over bumps, which would confirm the misting noted in the latest test. Examine the rear coil springs for surface rust or cracks, and check the rear suspension arm and axle swivel bushes for play by rocking the rear wheels; any noticeable looseness could translate to a vague clunking sensation under cornering loads. The front brake discs should be inspected for deep scoring or uneven wear, and the pads measured for remaining thickness – thin pads will manifest as reduced braking feel and a higher pedal travel, while fluctuating service‑brake response may be felt as a pulsating pedal under moderate pressure. Finally, verify the operation of the near‑side rear seat‑belt buckle and confirm that both front and rear tyres are free from cracking, bulging or sidewall damage, as previous advisories have highlighted tyre perishing. A thorough test‑drive should include a straight‑line brake check for any judder, a gentle left‑right sweep to feel for steering pull or looseness in the track‑rod ends, and a low‑speed acceleration to ensure the gearbox and drivetrain respond smoothly. Anticipate budgeting for replacement of the front shocks, rear coil springs, front brake discs and pads, and the rear suspension arm bushings, with the seat‑belt buckle also likely requiring replacement to bring the vehicle back to a fully compliant state.