2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FL14 ABO

The most recent MOT on 4 March 2026 was recorded as a Pass, however the preceding test on 3 March 2026 resulted in a failure for an excessive play in the near‑side track‑rod end ball joint. Prior to that the car has passed three consecutive tests, albeit with a series of advisories concerning tyre condition, front brake pad wear, rear upper coil‑spring mounting, and a slightly damaged seat‑belt buckle. The pattern shows a generally stable MOT record but with emerging suspension concerns that have now escalated to a failure, indicating a slight deterioration in the overall maintenance trend. At 79,360 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 6,600 mi per year over its twelve‑year life, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope. The mileage does not suggest any period of extreme high‑speed running or chronic over‑use, but the relatively low annual figure also hints at possible long spells of inactivity. Prolonged standing can accelerate rubber perishing, corrosion of brake components and battery depletion, so the mileage figure alone does not rule out age‑related wear. A prospective buyer should give the near‑side track‑rod end a thorough inspection; any clunk or loose feel when steering under load, especially over bumps, is a clear symptom of the reported ball‑joint play and would warrant immediate replacement. The rear upper coil‑spring mounting, noted as damaged, should be checked for cracked or hardened rubber, as failure can lead to uneven rear ride height and premature tyre wear. All four tyres have been flagged for edge wear, cracking or perishing, so a full tyre set replacement is advisable; look for sidewall cracks, bulges or hard spots, and verify that the new tyres are correctly balanced and aligned to avoid future suspension stress. Front brake pads are already thin, so confirm pad thickness and disc condition – any pulsation or shudder under braking points to disc wear or glazing and may require pad and possibly disc refurbishment. The off‑side front seat‑belt buckle housing is slightly damaged; while it still functions, replacement of the buckle is a low‑cost safety improvement. Beyond the specific MOT items, the car’s age calls for a comprehensive age‑related check. Inspect the battery for sulfation, low cranking voltage and swollen case, as twelve‑year‑old units often lose capacity even with modest mileage. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for correct levels, colour and any signs of contamination; a fluid change is prudent if the service history is incomplete. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches, under the bonnet and at suspension mounting points, and verify that the exhaust system is free of rust holes or excessive black soot, which could indicate a mis‑fire or fuel‑system issue. A full service, including timing‑belt or chain inspection (if applicable), spark‑plug replacement and a thorough road‑test for any unusual noises, vibrations or handling quirks, will give the buyer confidence that the Fiesta remains mechanically sound despite the recent suspension warning.