2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · EU68 UTP

A consistent run of clean MOT passes from 2021 through 2024 built a track record of structural and mechanical roadworthiness for this 2018 Fiesta, with each annual test recording no advisories whatsoever. The pattern changed at the most recent examination on 23 December 2025, when the vehicle passed but carried three advisories concentrated entirely on the tyres, including edge wear and perishing on both fronts and cracking on the offside rear. The sudden appearance of advisories after four consecutive clean tests suggests either a change in driving style, alignment geometry, or simply that the tyres have now reached the end of their service life, but there is no evidence of suspension, brake, or structural deterioration flagged by the tester. From a roadworthiness standpoint, the core mechanical systems inspected under the MOT regime remain unblemished in the official record. The recorded mileage of 31,819 miles across eight years equates to an average accumulation of roughly 3,977 miles per year, which is markedly below the typical annual figure for a Fiesta of this vintage and indicates either short journeys, secondary-car usage, or extended periods of inactivity. There are no gaps in the annual MOT testing history, which means the vehicle has not been declared off the road through an SORN for any length of time, and each successive test shows the mileage climbing steadily rather than in erratic jumps. Lower annual mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on high-load components such as the clutch, brake friction material, and drivetrain internals, but it can bring its own considerations, particularly around ageing rubber components, standing fluid losses, and the condition of underbody protective coatings that benefit from regular use to shed moisture and road salts. The relatively gentle rate of accumulation is consistent with a vehicle that has not been subjected to prolonged high-speed motorway use or heavy urban stop-start duty. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is the tyres flagged in the December 2025 advisory, as all three will require replacement shortly and the edge-wear pattern noted on both fronts warrants closer scrutiny. On a test drive, listen for any pulling to one side under braking or steady cruising, which could indicate that the front tyre wear is linked to geometry drift rather than simple age; a feathering sensation through the steering on a smooth road can confirm inconsistent toe or camber angles. Inspect the sidewalls carefully for visible cracking, bulges, or exposed cords, particularly on the inner edges where MOT testers frequently note wear that is less obvious from a casual glance. Check that all four tyres are of matching size and that replacement has not mixed different brands or tread patterns, which can upset handling balance on a front-driven hatchback of this class. Beyond the tyre concerns, a physical inspection should pay attention to the underbody, inner wheel arches, and suspension linkages, as the 2025 advisory list contains no corrosion items but also no reassurances on these areas, and a Fiesta used predominantly for short hops can develop surface oxidation in sheltered box sections that the standard MOT visual check may not fully expose. On the test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would point to worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or top mount bearings, all known wear items on this platform. Feel for vibration through the brake pedal under firm application, suggesting disc runout that may not yet have reached advisory thresholds. Finally, with low annual mileage, verify that the cooling system has been refreshed on schedule, that the brake fluid has been changed within the last two to three years, and that the battery holds charge under load, as these consumables degrade with calendar age regardless of how few miles the car has covered.