2020 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · EJ69 WDO

The 2020 Ford Fiesta presents a mixed but ultimately stable roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT on 22 May 2026 at 22,688 miles passing without defects—a positive indicator of current compliance. However, the pattern of tyre-related advisories and failures in the preceding tests reveals a recurring issue that was not addressed between 2024 and 2025. The May 2025 retest failure, where the vehicle was rejected solely due to tyre condition and washer fluid, suggests the previous owner either ignored advisories or failed to act on them promptly. That the tyres were repeatedly flagged for perishing, cracking, and near-legal tread depths—despite passing in 2023 and 2024—implies either neglect or an underlying issue with tyre selection or vehicle loading. No structural, suspension, or braking defects have been recorded, but the tyre history alone raises questions about how diligently the car has been maintained beyond basic compliance. The Fiesta’s low annual mileage—averaging just 3,781 miles over six years—is unusual for its age, particularly given the repeated tyre failures. The gap between the 2023 pass (9,319 miles) and the 2024 test (13,258 miles) suggests a period of minimal use, while the jump to 19,887 miles by May 2025 indicates either a sudden increase in activity or an error in mileage recording. The fact that the tyres deteriorated so rapidly between tests—despite the low mileage—points to either aggressive driving habits, incorrect tyre pressure, or exposure to conditions accelerating wear (e.g., prolonged parking in harsh environments). The absence of other advisories or defects in the MOT history further suggests that, aside from tyres, the vehicle has not experienced significant mechanical stress. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be on verifying the current tyre condition, given their history of rapid degradation. Inspect for uneven wear, sidewall cracking, or bulging—signs the issue persists. The washer fluid system, though minor, was a failure point in 2025, so check for leaks or blockages in the reservoir and hoses. Beyond that, no major structural or safety-critical components have been flagged, but a thorough suspension check—particularly bushings and coil springs—is prudent, as low-mileage vehicles can still develop stiffness or wear if driven on poor roads. The brakes were never mentioned in the MOTs, but given the binding advisory in the 2025 failure (assuming a typo and referring to the washer system), a brake inspection for caliper binding or uneven pad wear would be sensible. Overall, the car meets current standards, but the tyre neglect history demands immediate attention.