2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FD64 GYY

The most recent DVSA examination on 10 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, although it was achieved only after a same-day presentation where a Major failure was recorded for a non-functioning nearside front position lamp and a non-operational nearside front headlamp on dipped beam. Both of these are straightforward electrical items, typically resolved by bulb replacement or a check of the relevant wiring and connector integrity. The overall maintenance trend across the documented tests is broadly stable but does show a recurring pattern of electrical and lighting concerns, suspension wear, and tyre condition issues that a prospective buyer should not overlook. The advisories carried forward at the latest pass, specifically the offside front brake disc wear and the offside front tyre being close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, mirror advisories from the December 2024 test, indicating that the front brake and tyre condition on this axle has been monitored for some time and may be approaching the point where remedial work is required. The recorded mileage of 91,962 miles on a twelve-year-old Ford Fiesta equates to an annual average of around 7,664 miles, which is broadly average for the vehicle's age and suggests regular but not excessive use. There are no significant gaps in the annual MOT history to suggest prolonged standing, nor is there evidence of rapid mileage accumulation between tests. This level of usage is generally favourable for mechanical longevity in terms of avoiding issues associated with corrosion through inactivity, yet the vehicle remains old enough for age-related deterioration of rubber, electrical, and fluid-based components to be a relevant consideration. The mileage is sufficient that normal wear items including suspension bushes, brake pads, discs, and clutch operation will have experienced meaningful service life. A close physical inspection of the offside front brake disc is strongly advised. An advisory for wear, pitting, and scoring recorded across two consecutive tests suggests the disc surface is degrading and may be approaching its minimum thickness specification, particularly given the additional friction generated by worn or edge-scarred tyres on the same corner. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm pedal application, and check for uneven pad transfer and any lip formation on the disc edge. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, which was a Major failure in December 2023, warrants careful attention. While it presumably was replaced at that time, surrounding components such as the track rod ends, wishbone bushes, and anti-roll bar drop links should be examined for any slack, perishing, or splitting. When driving, listen for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps, uneven road joins, and during full-lock low-speed manoeuvres, which would indicate renewed play in the joint or adjacent bushes. The recurring advisories relating to front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and worn on the shoulder indicate potential camber misalignment or habitual kerbing, both of which would benefit from a four-wheel alignment check and a thorough inspection of the wheel rims for impact damage. Given the calendar age of the vehicle, even tyres with adequate tread depth should be examined for sidewall cracking, perishing, and ozone degradation, as rubber compounds deteriorate with time regardless of mileage. The 12-volt battery, which is typically original equipment or at least several years old on a car of this age, should be load-tested, and the cooling system should be checked for the condition of the hoses, radiator, and coolant specification. Brake fluid should be renewed every two years regardless of mileage, and the condition of the coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid should be verified through service records. Finally, given the recurring lighting defects, a thorough check of all bulbs, headlamp connectors, and earthing points should be undertaken before purchase, as poor earth connections are a common underlying cause of intermittent lighting failures on vehicles of this age.