2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · DX66 OFH

The 2016 Ford Fiesta currently holds a valid MOT certificate dated 1 May 2026 at 83,300 miles, but the maintenance trend over the preceding twelve months is clearly worsening. That same day, the vehicle failed its initial test with four defects, including a fractured nearside rear coil spring and excessively worn lower ball joints on both front corners, before passing on the retest. The coil spring fracture is a serious structural fault, not a minor advisory, and the fact that both front lower ball joints were excessively worn at the same test suggests a sudden deterioration rather than gradual wear. A suspension setup that has just been repaired after such a failure demands careful scrutiny. The mileage progression is broadly consistent with light, regular use. The car recorded 65,008 miles in September 2023, 70,243 miles in May 2024, 77,256 miles in April 2025, and 83,300 miles in May 2026, averaging roughly 6,000 to 7,000 miles per year over the last three years. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record, and the annual test dates have been maintained without significant lapses. The 2024 test at 70,243 miles was completely clean, which makes the cluster of defects that appeared by April 2025 and May 2026 all the more notable. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering components during any in-person inspection. The nearside front lower ball joint was flagged for slight play in April 2025 at 77,256 miles, then both front lower ball joints were excessively worn just twelve months later at 83,300 miles. This progression indicates either a genuine wear-out event or a failure to address the earlier advisory promptly. The offside rear shock absorber was noted for light oil misting in April 2025, and while that did not fail the test, it warrants a physical check for damping performance and seal integrity. The nearside rear coil spring was fractured and replaced ahead of the May 2026 retest, so the buyer should inspect the spring seat, the top mount, and the surrounding subframe mounting points for any signs of corrosion or impact damage that could have contributed to the fracture. Tyre wear patterns also merit attention. The offside front tyre was worn on the inner edge at the May 2026 test, and the nearside front tyre was wearing on the outer sides in April 2025. Asymmetric wear on both front tyres points to possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes, which would be consistent with the ball joint deterioration noted above. The minor exhaust leak at the flexi joint recorded in September 2023 was not flagged in subsequent tests, suggesting it was repaired, but the exhaust system should still be checked for corrosion, particularly around the flexi section and the rear silencer box. Overall, the car appears to have had a period of neglect or accelerated wear between mid-2024 and mid-2026, and a thorough inspection of the front suspension geometry, steering rack, and subframe condition is strongly advised before purchase.