2016 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · CJ16 AAY

The most recent MOT inspection on 12 June 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle's maintenance history shows a concerning trend of worsening mechanical condition and reactive rather than preventative upkeep. While the car passed, the cumulative advisories regarding braking components, suspension, and exhaust systems indicate a vehicle that is beginning to suffer from significant wear across multiple subsystems. The failure in June 2026 for dangerous tyre tread depth and a major track rod end defect suggests that maintenance intervals have been neglected, as these are critical safety items that should have been addressed prior to the test. The recurring nature of braking and steering advisories over the last three years indicates that the vehicle is entering a phase of more frequent and potentially costly component replacements. With a recorded mileage of 91,078 miles over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,100 miles per year. This usage profile is considered typical for a domestic hatchback and suggests a consistent level of use rather than extreme high-mileage motorway driving or long periods of stationary neglect. However, the mileage is high enough that several major wear-and-tear components are likely reaching the end of their service life. You should expect that consumables such as suspension bushes, shock absorbers, and various rubber seals are nearing their fatigue limits, which is consistent with the documented history of steering and axle bush advisories. During your test drive, you must pay close attention to the steering and suspension response. The recent history of track rod end play and anti-roll bar joint issues means you should listen for any knocking, clunking, or vague steering sensations, particularly when navigating uneven road surfaces or turning at low speeds. The advisory regarding the offside rear coil spring being corroded is a significant point of concern; you should visually inspect the spring for heavy surface rust or fractures, as a snapped spring can cause sudden handling changes or noise. Additionally, the defective rear exhaust mounting and the previous history of exhaust leaks suggest you should listen for excessive vibration or a loud, droning exhaust note, which could indicate further structural deterioration of the exhaust system. The braking system requires immediate and thorough scrutiny. The most recent advisories for thin front brake pads and pitted or scored discs, combined with a history of binding rear brakes and parking brake inefficiency, suggest the braking hardware is heavily worn. On your test drive, check for any brake shudder under deceleration, which indicates warped discs, or a pulling sensation to one side. You should also verify that the vehicle holds the handbrake firmly on an incline. Finally, the presence of a TPMS light advisory means the tyre pressure monitoring system is active or faulty; ensure this is addressed to prevent uneven tyre wear. Given the age and mileage, also check for any signs of fluid leaks from the engine or braking system and verify that the service history supports the maintenance of these critical components.