2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · CF16 FDY

The most recent MOT on 20 July 2026 recorded a pass overall but flagged a tyre‑pressure monitoring system (TPMS) malfunction as a PRS defect, meaning the vehicle would not have been deemed roadworthy without remedial action. Over the past four years the Fiesta has shown a mixed record: two consecutive clean passes in 2023 and 2024, a 2025 test that passed but highlighted rear shock‑absorber oil misting, front‑tyre wear and a non‑functioning rear stop lamp, and a 2022 test that failed for both windscreen‑washer pumps and a missing fog light. The recent pass suggests that the most serious failures have been addressed, yet the persistence of advisory items indicates that the maintenance trend is only marginally improving and that some components remain borderline. With 78 016 mi recorded on a 2016 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 7 800 mi, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage pattern for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would point to accelerated wear, nor are there large gaps that might suggest prolonged storage. Consequently the wear on major consumables such as tyres, brake discs and suspension components should be consistent with a vehicle that has seen regular, moderate use rather than intensive short‑term abuse. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the TPMS, which is now inoperative; a faulty sensor or dead battery will cause the warning light to stay illuminated and may mask low‑pressure conditions that affect handling and tyre wear. The front tyres were already noted as being close to the legal minimum tread depth (3 mm on the nearside, 2.8 mm on the off‑side) and are likely due for replacement, especially if uneven wear patterns or cupping are evident. The rear shock absorbers showed light oil misting in both 2025 and 2025 advisories, a sign of seal wear that can progress to loss of damping and increased body roll; listen for clunking or excessive bounce during a test drive and inspect the shock bodies for oil on the mounts. The rear stop lamp failure, missing fog light and non‑functioning washer pumps should be rectified, as they affect visibility and legal compliance, and the washer pump issue can also indicate clogged nozzles or a failing pump motor that may cause streaked windscreen cleaning. Beyond the recorded defects, a vehicle of ten years should be examined for age‑related deterioration. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, particularly if the car has spent periods stationary, and verify that the tyre pressures hold steady when set to the manufacturer’s specification. Inspect the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and test the charge hold, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear and confirm that the calipers move freely without binding, especially after the car has been idle. Finally, look for any signs of corrosion on the chassis, suspension bushes and steering rack, and ensure that all fluid levels—engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil—have been refreshed in line with the service schedule, as time‑based degradation can occur even with modest mileage.