2015 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · EU65 WLE

The most recent DVSA examination on 5 September 2022 returned a Pass result, although a single advisory was issued for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge. Looking at the broader test trajectory, the vehicle has consistently passed its annual MOT since first registration, but the recurrence of the same offside front tyre advisory across three consecutive tests in 2020, 2021, and 2022 indicates a persistent wear pattern that has not been rectified. More significantly, an intermediate test on 23 August 2021 failed outright due to fractured coil springs on both rear corners, a Major category structural defect that was clearly remedied before the subsequent Pass later the same month. The maintenance trend is therefore not one of outright deterioration, but it does suggest that certain wear items, particularly front-end tyre wear and rear suspension components, are being flagged repeatedly and merit close scrutiny during any pre-purchase inspection. With a recorded mileage of 35,538 miles spread across approximately eleven years, this Fiesta has averaged around 3,231 miles per year, which is markedly below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this vintage and represents light, predominantly low-load running. While low annual mileage reduces wear on high-stress items such as the clutch, engine internals, and transmission, it carries its own set of mechanical implications. Extended periods of standing or only short journeys can accelerate corrosion on brake discs due to lack of regular use, lead to binding brake calipers through seized pistons, and degrade the 12-volt battery prematurely from repeated shallow discharge cycles. Coolant and brake fluid are also hygroscopic and degrade with calendar age rather than mileage, so even with low miles these systems will still require renewal on a time basis. Given the recurring offside front tyre advisory, a prospective buyer should inspect the front tyres very carefully for uneven or one-sided shoulder wear, which can indicate tracking misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or a tired top mount. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over bumps, particularly on full lock, and pay attention to any steering wander or vibration through the wheel. Examine the rear suspension closely for any renewed signs of coil spring fatigue or sagging, as fractured rear springs on a Fiesta of this age are not unusual, and a sagging rear ride height or uneven rear arch gap could suggest imminent replacement. Confirm that both rear springs were replaced with matched units and verify whether a geometry check was carried out at the same time, since uneven spring rates can induce tracking issues that contribute to the front tyre wear pattern observed. In light of the very low annual mileage, particular attention should be paid to age-related degradation that does not show up clearly in MOT data. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking, as tyres older than five years can harden and lose grip even with ample tread depth, and check the production date on the sidewall to ensure they are not disproportionately old. Examine the brake discs for lip corrosion and surface rust, and verify that the calipers release cleanly by checking for any residual binding or uneven pad wear after a test drive. Lift the bonnet and assess the battery condition, looking for any signs of leakage, swelling, or a greenish corrosion build-up around the terminals, and consider that a replacement may be imminent given the vehicle's age. Finally, request evidence of time-based servicing such as brake fluid and coolant renewal, verify that the cambelt or timing chain service interval has been observed, and ensure the service book is fully stamped or that main dealer records are available to confirm that the vehicle has not been neglected during its prolonged periods of light use.