2013 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · D1 WNA

The most recent MOT, passed on 16 January 2026 at 164,889 miles, presents a vehicle that is technically roadworthy but carries a pattern of unresolved, recurring defects. The maintenance trend is best described as worsening, particularly regarding structural corrosion. While the January 2026 pass certificate appears clean, it followed a failure just two days prior for severe corrosion to both nearside and offside rear sills and suspension mounting areas, a critical finding that raises serious questions about whether genuine repairs were completed or if the vehicle was simply presented for a retest with the same underlying issues masked. The tester also flagged a slightly noisy offside front wheel bearing and a minor oil leak, both of which have persisted across multiple tests without clear evidence of rectification. Mileage accumulation tells a clear story of sustained high use. The vehicle has covered approximately 11,000 miles in the twelve months between January 2025 at 153,863 miles and January 2026 at 164,889 miles, continuing an annual average of roughly 12,684 miles consistent with its thirteen-year life. This is well above typical annual mileage for a car of this age, meaning drivetrain, suspension, and braking components have endured above-average wear. The MOT record itself is reasonably well documented with annual tests, though the gap between January 2024 at 143,063 miles and January 2025 at 153,863 miles covers a full year without any interim record, which is not unusual but does leave a twelve-month window unaccounted for. A buyer should treat the January 2026 failure items as the primary focus of any in-person inspection. The nearside and offside rear sills and suspension mounting areas were flagged as excessively corroded to the point of significantly reduced structural integrity, which on a Fiesta of this age and mileage is a serious concern that directly affects MOT compliance and long-term structural strength. Have the sills been welded and properly treated, or is surface corrosion simply covered over? The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint was excessively worn at the same test, yet the subsequent pass shows no advisory for it, suggesting either replacement or a presentation concern. The offside front wheel bearing has been noted as slightly noisy across at least three consecutive tests spanning January 2024 through January 2026, indicating progressive deterioration that will eventually require replacement. Beyond the flagged items, the persistent minor oil leak deserves investigation, as what begins as seepage can escalate into pressure loss on a high-mileage engine. The recurring tyre wear advisories, including inner edge wear and exposed ply, point to possible tracking or suspension geometry issues that have not been consistently addressed. Brake disc wear was noted in January 2024 and should be checked for condition given the mileage accumulated since. Overall, this record describes a heavily used Fiesta with a history of deferred maintenance on structural and mechanical fundamentals rather than routine upkeep. Any purchase decision should be contingent on a thorough independent inspection focused on the rear sills, suspension mountings, and wheel bearings.