2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · EY60 NLA

The most recent MOT record from January 2023 shows the vehicle passed with no defects, but this followed a failure just the day prior for critical suspension and bodywork issues—specifically, insecure sill covers and excessively worn axle bushes at both rear suspension arms. This suggests the car was either neglected or poorly maintained in the months leading up to testing, as the same rear suspension faults were absent in the February 2022 test but resurfaced abruptly. The absence of further MOT tests since January 2023—over three years without official inspection—raises concerns about whether the vehicle has been driven without proper checks, particularly given the prior history of unresolved advisories like corroded coil springs and binding brakes. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,381 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a 16-year-old vehicle, though the gap between the 2022 and 2023 tests (around 5,650 miles in just over a year) indicates either infrequent driving or a deliberate delay in retesting. The fact that the car failed twice in quick succession in February 2022—once for wiper effectiveness and again for the same faults plus a worn ball joint—implies either a lack of basic maintenance or repeated attempts to pass without addressing core issues. The oil leak noted in both 2022 tests, though not excessive, suggests a habit of ignoring minor but persistent mechanical wear. For a buyer, the rear suspension stands out as the highest-risk area: the axle bushes and ball joint were flagged in 2022, and the axle bushes reappeared as a failure in 2023, indicating progressive wear. The corroded coil springs, though not a fail item, should be inspected for structural integrity, as corrosion can weaken load-bearing components over time. Brakes were repeatedly noted for pitting and scoring on the front discs, which may have been rectified but could recur if not fully addressed. Tyre condition—particularly the side-wall damage and cracking—should be checked for signs of age-related deterioration, as these were not resolved in the 2023 pass. The insecure sill cover failure in 2023 points to potential bodywork corrosion or poor securing, which could compromise structural integrity if left unchecked. Given the three-year MOT gap, a thorough inspection of fluid levels, exhaust emissions, and any signs of rust in wheel arches or underseal would be prudent. The vehicle’s history suggests a pattern of deferred maintenance rather than outright abuse, but the recurring suspension and brake advisories demand immediate attention before purchase.