2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · DN15 ABF

The most recent DVSA test on 21 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but the examiner recorded two advisories relating to nearside and offside rear coil spring corrosion. Looking back through the recorded MOT history, this is a vehicle that has consistently passed its annual roadworthiness checks, including one re-test following a failure in July 2023, yet the number and nature of advisories being recorded suggests a gradually worsening rather than improving trend. The 2023 test raised multiple suspension and exhaust advisories alongside a major failure for an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, and subsequent tests have continued to flag rear axle swivel pins and bushes, further suspension wear, and now both rear coil springs showing corrosion. The pattern points to a chassis and suspension assembly that is steadily accumulating age-related wear, which is consistent with a vehicle now eleven years old and covering typical annual mileage. The recorded mileage of 106,511 miles over approximately eleven years equates to around 9,683 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and not suggestive of either excessive use or long periods of standing idle. There are no large unexplained gaps in the recorded mileages that would raise concern about clocked readings, and the steady accumulation implies the engine, transmission, clutch, and other drivetrain components have been worked consistently rather than stressed by short cold starts from infrequent use. The mechanical implications of this usage profile are that serviceable items such as brakes, tyres, suspension components, and exhaust fittings will have experienced normal wear, but consumables that degrade with calendar time rather than mileage, including rubber seals, coolant, brake fluid, and the 12V battery, will still be due attention regardless of the odometer reading. For a prospective buyer, the recurring rear axle swivel pin and bush advisories from 2023 and 2024 warrant close attention, as these components control rear wheel alignment and tyre wear patterns. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over bumps and on uneven surfaces, and inspect the rear tyres carefully for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which would indicate the bushes are now past the advisory stage and into requiring replacement. The 2023 failure of the nearside front lower arm ball joint was rectified, but the offside was already showing slight play and should be rechecked, as ball joint wear on the Fiesta is a known weak point and can produce a vague wandering steering feel, uneven front tyre wear, or knocking from the front end over speed humps. Similarly, the 2026 advisories on both rear coil springs indicate corrosion that will only progress with continued road salt exposure, so a physical inspection underneath the car for any deep scaling, cracking, or flaking metal on the spring coils and surrounding strut areas is essential before purchase, and any worsening between tests should be factored into the negotiation. Beyond the flagged items, several age- and mileage-related checks are sensible. The 2025 advisory on front tyre perishing indicates the rubber compound is breaking down from age rather than wear, so all four tyres, including the rear pair which were not flagged, should be examined for sidewall cracking and a manufacturing date older than five years would justify replacement regardless of tread depth. The 2025 advisory on the offside rear shock absorber showing light oil misting should be monitored, as once a shock begins to weep it typically progresses to reduced damping efficiency, manifesting on a test drive as excessive float over undulations, prolonged nose-dive under braking, or a generally unsettled ride. The exhaust flexi damage noted in 2023 and the minor leak advisory should be visually rechecked for any signs of black soot deposits around joints, an audible hiss or ticking under load, or a noticeable change in exhaust note. Finally, irrespective of the MOT record, a buyer should verify the timing belt or chain service interval status according to Ford's schedule, request evidence of recent brake fluid and coolant changes, and have the 12V battery load-tested, as these calendar-based items are not assessed at MOT but are essential on a vehicle of this age and mileage.