2015 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · DF15 EVB

The most recent DVSA examination on 13 March 2026 recorded a PASS with no advisories or defects, and this follows a PASS at the same result earlier in 2025. Prior to that there was a FAIL on 24 June 2025 with no specific defect information disclosed in the official record, followed immediately by a PASS on the same date, suggesting an administrative or retest situation rather than a deep-rooted mechanical concern, although the absence of recorded defect details is itself a point worth clarifying with the previous owner or test station. Looking at the longer term, the vehicle has passed every annual test from October 2023 onwards without any advisories being raised for tyres, brakes, suspension, lighting, exhaust, or corrosion. Taken together, the MOT trajectory is stable and consistent, with no observable deterioration in roadworthiness over the documented period and no recurring areas of concern being flagged by examiners. With 35,607 miles recorded over an 11 year vehicle life, the Fiesta has been used at an average of only around 3,237 miles per year, which is well below the typical annual mileage for a car of this type and clearly points to a low-use profile. This rate of accumulation suggests either a second car, a short-commute vehicle, or extended periods of standing between uses. The MOT interval gaps are also instructive: there is a notable interval between the October 2023 test and the June 2024 test, and the mileage between recent tests is low. Such patterns are mechanically relevant because, although low mileage reduces wear on the engine, clutch, and drivetrain, it conversely increases the likelihood of age-related degradation in components that deteriorate with calendar age rather than use. For a prospective buyer, the clean MOT record should not be taken as a complete guarantee of condition, and a physical inspection becomes especially important given the low annual usage. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing or cracking, which is common on vehicles that have stood for prolonged periods, even where the tread depth remains legal; an unused spare should also be checked. The 12V battery is highly likely to be original or near-original specification and may be weakened by repeated partial discharge and standing, so load-testing it or budgeting for imminent replacement is sensible. Brake discs and calipers are particularly susceptible to corrosion and seizure when a vehicle is used infrequently, so the caliper slide pins should be freed and the disc surfaces inspected for advanced rust pitting that could cause brake shudder or uneven binding on the first applications. Brake fluid should also be renewed on a time basis irrespective of MOT outcome, as it is hygroscopic and degrades over a two to three year cycle. Further inspection points should include a thorough check underneath the vehicle for fluid leaks from the steering rack, suspension components, and engine oil seals, as standing can dry and crack ageing rubber. Exhaust system integrity, particularly the rear silencer and mounting rubber, should be examined for corrosion given the car's age. Cooling system hoses and the coolant itself should be assessed for condition, as should the auxiliary drive belt for cracking. On a test drive, listen for suspension clonks over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts, and pay attention to any pulling under braking, which may reveal a binding caliper. Finally, verify the service book stamps and supporting invoices to confirm that time-based items such as cambelt replacement intervals, spark plugs, and oil services have been attended to in line with the manufacturer's schedule rather than purely on a mileage basis.