2015 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · FD15 LLG

The most recent MOT test on the 2015 Ford Fiesta, conducted on 2025-09-12, resulted in a clean pass with only three advisories, indicating that the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness is currently stable and meets legal standards. While the history shows a few past failures—particularly in 2020 and 2022—these were either resolved or minor, with no subsequent failures to suggest a deterioration in maintenance. The advisories from the latest test, particularly regarding worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes and near-side rear tyre wear, are common in vehicles of this age and mileage and typically do not affect safety, though they warrant attention for long-term durability. The absence of repeated dangerous failures or major issues over the past three years suggests that the owner has been proactive in addressing critical components, though routine checks should remain a priority. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 76,073 miles at the time of this assessment is consistent with a typical annual usage rate of around 6,916 miles per year, which is moderate for a 11-year-old car. This level of mileage does not necessarily indicate excessive wear, but it does mean that consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components have experienced gradual degradation over time. The presence of a significant gap between the 2022 failure (which included exposed tyre cords and a non-functional stop lamp) and the 2023 pass suggests that the vehicle may have been stationary for a period, potentially leading to standing corrosion on brake discs, calipers, and the underbody. However, the recent MOT history without further failures indicates that the owner has likely addressed these issues promptly, mitigating further risk. For the prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a test drive and physical examination are the brakes, suspension, and tyres. The advisories on rear axle swivel pins and bushes indicate that the rear suspension may be wearing at a rate that could lead to increased noise or clunking when driving over bumps, particularly on the near-side. Listen for a rhythmic clunking or rattling from the rear axle area, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns, as the near-side rear tyre is already close to the legal limit. The past failures involving exposed tyre cords and a non-working stop lamp highlight the importance of verifying that all brake lights function correctly and that the tyre tread depth is adequate; if the tyre has cords exposed, it should be replaced immediately. Additionally, inspect the brake discs for corrosion or binding, which can occur when the vehicle stands for prolonged periods without use, potentially leading to reduced braking performance or uneven wear. Beyond the MOT advisories, the buyer should also focus on the vehicle’s overall condition, particularly for signs of standing corrosion, which is common in a 11-year-old car with moderate mileage. Check under the bonnet for any fluid leaks, especially from the brake master cylinder, radiator, or coolant hoses, and confirm that the 12V battery is in good condition, as older vehicles can suffer from weak or dead batteries due to prolonged inactivity. The engine covers and under trays, which were noted as obscuring components in past tests, should be removed or at least inspected to ensure no critical parts are being hidden, which could complicate future servicing. For fluid servicing, consider checking the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant levels, as these fluids can degrade over time even without significant mileage, particularly if the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Finally, verify that the service book is up to date, as the 2015 Fiesta typically requires a full service every 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, to maintain reliability. If the service history is incomplete, a thorough mechanical inspection by a qualified technician would be advisable to identify any missed maintenance or potential issues.