2018 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · CE68 FMD

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 May 2026 returned a Pass, but it followed a Fail recorded the day before on 26 May 2026, indicating that rectification work was carried out immediately prior to the test. Both the failed and passed notices carried Minor advisories for reduced offside front position lamp and daytime running lamp intensity, while the failure itself cited a Major defect for a missing or deteriorated offside steering rack gaiter allowing ingress of dirt, and a Major for exhaust emissions exceeding the manufacturer's specified limit at 0.57. Looking at the broader trend, the 2024 and earlier records were clean apart from brake and tyre advisories, but the 2025 and 2026 tests have now produced two consecutive emission failures plus the persistent offside lighting issue, and the introduction of a steering rack gaiter defect. The maintenance picture is therefore not deteriorating into outright neglect, but there is a clear and recurring cluster of concerns around emissions output, steering protection, and front offside exterior lighting that warrant close investigation before purchase. The recorded mileage of 127,915 miles over an eight-year life equates to approximately 15,989 miles per year, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age and considerably above the typical 8,000 to 10,000 mile annual average for a small hatchback such as the Ford Fiesta. The mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent, suggesting the car has been in regular use rather than standing for long periods, which is generally favourable for component longevity but does mean consumables and mechanical wear items have accumulated substantially more than they would on a lower-mileage example. High annual mileage in a turbocharged or non-turbo petrol Fiesta of this generation places greater demand on the clutch, gearbox, suspension components, exhaust system, and engine oil service intervals, so it is reasonable to expect increased wear on these areas compared with an average used example. Given the recurring offside front lamp intensity issues across both 2025 and 2026, the buyer should physically inspect the offside front bulb holders, lens condition, and any aftermarket LED conversions, as cloudy or perished headlamp lenses and poor earth contacts are typical causes of reduced intensity. The Major failure for a missing or compromised steering rack gaiter is significant because once dirt and moisture enter the steering rack, accelerated wear of the internal rack teeth and pinion follows, leading to excessive play, knocking or clunking noises on full lock, and eventually fluid leaks from the rack itself; on a test drive, listen for any clonking from the front end over speed humps and feel for vagueness or slack in the steering. The two consecutive exhaust emissions failures are equally concerning, particularly on a high-mileage petrol engine, and could indicate a failing catalytic converter, lambda sensor issues, ignition or fuelling faults, or simply overdue engine servicing and oil degradation, all of which warrant a diagnostic check and compression or live data inspection before commitment. Beyond the MOT history, this vehicle's age and mileage justify a thorough physical inspection even where no defect has been recorded. The brake pad advisory from 2023 will almost certainly have resulted in replacement, but the discs should be checked for lipping, surface corrosion, and minimum thickness, and the caliper slide pins should be confirmed as free, particularly given any standing periods. Tyres should be examined for both tread depth and age-related sidewall cracking or perishing, as a 2018 car will be approaching the point where original-equipment rubber should have been replaced regardless of tread. The 12 volt battery, coolant, brake fluid, and automatic transmission fluid if applicable all degrade with calendar age and should be checked for condition and service history, while the underside should be inspected for corrosion to suspension arms, exhaust hangers, and subframe mounting points, given the higher than average mileage accumulation. A compression test and a review of the service book stamps for evidence of timely oil and filter changes at no greater than twelve month or twelve thousand mile intervals would provide further reassurance.