2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · FE55 LEW

The 2016 Ford Fiesta’s latest MOT test on 2025-09-20 resulted in a passing grade, though it included two advisories that warrant careful attention. The overall maintenance trend over the past five years appears to be stable rather than worsening, with only minor issues recorded in the most recent tests. The vehicle has not failed an MOT since 2021, and while some recurring advisories—such as tyre wear approaching legal limits and suspension component wear—have been noted, they have not escalated to major defects. The presence of a fractured coil spring in 2021, however, indicates that the rear suspension system has experienced significant wear, particularly in the near-side components, which may have been exacerbated by prolonged standing or uneven loading. This suggests that while the vehicle has maintained roadworthiness, the suspension’s structural integrity could be compromised over time, and further deterioration could lead to handling instability or premature failure of other suspension elements. The recorded mileage of 51,720 miles for a ten-year-old vehicle represents a notably low annual usage rate of approximately 5,172 miles per year, which is unusually low for its age. Such low mileage can result from light usage, long periods of inactivity, or infrequent operation, all of which contribute to accelerated wear in certain systems. For instance, standing for extended periods can cause brake discs to corrode or bind, leading to reduced braking efficiency or uneven wear patterns. Additionally, fluids like brake fluid and differential oil degrade over time due to evaporation and contamination, even when the vehicle is not driven regularly. The rear axle location bushes showing signs of splitting in 2023 further imply that prolonged idling or lack of dynamic loading may have accelerated wear in these components. A buyer should be aware that these conditions could lead to premature failure if not addressed, particularly in the suspension and braking systems. To proceed with a thorough inspection, the prospective buyer should focus on the following critical areas, given the vehicle’s history and age. First, visually and physically inspect the rear suspension for any signs of further coil spring failure or excessive play in the track rod ends, as the 2021 MOT failure highlights potential instability. Listen for unusual clunking noises from the rear axle during cornering or when driving over bumps, which could indicate worn or damaged suspension bushes or broken mounts. Next, examine the tyres closely—check for uneven wear patterns, such as those seen on the near-side front tyre in previous advisories, and verify that the offside front tyre’s cut does not progress further. During a test drive, monitor for any vibration or shuddering, particularly when braking, which may signal warped discs or binding calipers from standing corrosion. Additionally, inspect the rear tyres for structural lumps or cracks, as the 2021 failure revealed a partial tyre separation. For practical checks beyond the MOT advisories, the buyer should verify the vehicle’s tyre condition for signs of age-related degradation, such as sidewall cracking or perishing, which can compromise tyre safety even if the tread remains legal. Check the brake discs for corrosion or binding, especially on the near-side, where standing may have exacerbated issues. Inspect the battery terminals and cable connections for corrosion or loose connections, as low usage can lead to battery drain or failure. Fluid levels should be checked, with particular attention to brake fluid, differential oil, and coolant, as these degrade over time regardless of mileage. Finally, review the service history for any missing or overdue maintenance, such as suspension component replacements or fluid servicing, and ensure that the vehicle has been kept in a clean, dry environment to prevent rust and corrosion. If the buyer is concerned about the rear suspension’s reliability, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic would be prudent to assess the extent of the coil spring and bush wear.