2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · DK18 VTM

A consistent history of minor wear-and-tear punctuated by a sudden safety restraint and electrical failure in the spring of 2026 defines the mechanical track record of this Ford Fiesta. The vehicle secured its most recent MOT pass on 22 April 2026, which immediately followed a failure on the previous day. This temporary setback was caused by a non-functional and defective offside side repeater light alongside a malfunctioning offside rear seat belt buckle, both of which were rectified for the retest. Prior to this, the vehicle maintained a relatively clean testing record, with only minor, isolated advisories for consumable items such as tyres and brake pads in earlier years, and completely clean passes in 2024 and 2025. This indicates that while the vehicle's structural and emissions systems have remained stable, electrical and interior safety components require close physical assessment. Accumulating 87,057 miles over approximately eight years places this vehicle at an average annual usage of about 10,882 miles, which is typical for a hatchback of this class in the UK. This steady mileage accumulation suggests regular operational use without the risks associated with long-term storage, such as seized brake calipers or perished rubber components. However, approaching the 90,000-mile mark means that major mechanical components are nearing the end of their expected service life. A buyer must focus on the condition of the suspension dampers, coil springs, and rubber suspension bushes, which naturally degrade over this distance. Furthermore, at this age and mileage, critical engine maintenance items, particularly the timing belt assembly and coolant pumps, must be verified through physical service records, as these vital components are outside the scope of the MOT test. Specific attention must be paid to the areas highlighted in past MOT tests during a pre-purchase inspection and test drive. The offside rear seat belt buckle, which failed to function as intended in 2026, must be physically tested by repeatedly latching and unlatching all rear seat belts to ensure they secure firmly and release correctly under load. The offside side repeater housing should be inspected for signs of water ingress, cracking, or loose wiring that could cause intermittent electrical faults. Additionally, the front registration plate remains noted as deteriorated, which, while a minor cosmetic advisory, should be checked to ensure it remains securely attached and legible to avoid future compliance issues. Historical advisories also point toward potential steering and braking wear that warrants a thorough test drive. The 2022 advisory for an offside front tyre worn on its edge suggests a historical wheel alignment or tracking issue. During the test drive, the steering wheel should be checked for straightness on a flat road, and the vehicle monitored for any pulling to one side, which would confirm ongoing alignment or suspension bush wear. Although the front brake pads were flagged as thin in 2023 and not mentioned in subsequent tests, the braking system should be assessed for pedal pulsation, grinding noises, or judder, which would indicate warped front brake discs or unevenly worn pads.