2013 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · EU63 VUT

The most recent MOT inspection on 05 March 2026 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle is showing a clear trend of increasing mechanical advisories. While the 2025 test was clean, the latest report indicates a progressive degradation of the suspension and tyre components. The maintenance trend is currently worsening, moving from isolated issues like a loose headlight in 2024 to more systemic wear in the chassis and steering components. This suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase of its lifecycle where multiple wear-and-tear items will require simultaneous attention to maintain roadworthiness. With approximately 71,191 miles covered over 13 years, this Ford Fiesta has averaged roughly 5,476 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, suggesting the car has been used primarily for short, local trips or has spent considerable periods stationary. While low mileage generally implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, it carries specific risks for a vehicle of this age. Low usage often leads to accelerated degradation of rubber components due to lack of movement and can result in fluid contamination or oxidation of braking surfaces. The history of tyre perishing and cracking noted in 2022 confirms that age-related rubber degradation is a factor here. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the suspension and steering during a test drive. The advisory regarding play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint is a significant concern; you should listen for rhythmic knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel. Furthermore, the recurring advisories regarding the rear sub-frame pins and bushes indicate that the rear axle mounting points are wearing. If these bushes fail completely, you may experience rear-end instability, shimmying, or unpredictable handling during cornering. The presence of corroded rear coil springs also suggests that these components may be nearing the end of their structural integrity and could snap if subjected to heavy loads or sharp impacts. Regarding the tyres, the most recent advisories for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edges suggest a potential issue with wheel alignment or camber settings. During your inspection, check for uneven tread wear across the width of the tyre, as this can indicate worn suspension bushes or incorrect toe settings. Given the low annual mileage, you should also perform a physical check of the tyre sidewalls for any signs of perishing, cracking, or dry rot, even if the tread depth appears sufficient. Finally, because the vehicle has likely spent time standing, verify the service history for calendar-based maintenance, specifically checking that brake fluid and engine oil have been changed according to time intervals rather than just mileage to prevent internal corrosion and sludge buildup.