2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · FN64 VTM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 2 September 2025, was passed but recorded advisories concerning wear on both the nearside and off‑side rear sub‑frame pins or bushes. Over the past six years the Fiesta has shown a pattern of recurring, low‑severity items – tyre tread approaching the legal limit, coil‑spring corrosion on the rear axle, and light oil mist from the rear shock absorbers – interspersed with occasional failures for lighting faults and a dangerous front‑tyre ply exposure in 2021. Apart from the recent sub‑frame bush advisories, no new major defects have appeared, indicating that the vehicle’s overall maintenance trajectory is relatively stable, though the persistence of wear‑related advisories suggests that components are reaching the end of their service lives and will require attention soon. At 95,428 miles the Fiesta averages just under 8,000 miles per year, a usage rate that is typical for a 12‑year‑old family hatchback. The mileage does not point to excessive wear from high‑kilometre running, but the consistent appearance of tyre‑wear advisories each year implies that the current set of tyres has been heavily used and may be nearing the end of their useful life. There are no evident gaps in the recorded mileage that would indicate long periods of storage, so the wear patterns are likely the result of normal on‑road use rather than age‑related perishing alone. A prospective buyer should give the tyres immediate scrutiny. Both front tyres have repeatedly been flagged as worn close to the legal limit and the nearside front tyre was once classified as dangerous with exposed ply; a visual inspection for tread depth, sidewall cracks, and any bulges is essential, and a test‑drive should be used to listen for vibration or shudder that can signal uneven wear or internal damage. The rear sub‑frame pins or bushes, now noted as worn, should be checked for play by applying force to the rear axle and feeling for any excessive movement; any clunk or knock on cornering or over bumps would indicate that the bushes may need replacement. The rear coil springs, flagged for corrosion for three consecutive years, should be examined for surface rust and any loss of stiffness, while the rear shock absorbers should be inspected for oil seepage and tested for proper damping by pushing down on each rear corner and observing rebound. Front brake pads were recorded as thin in 2021, so the buyer should verify pad thickness and listen for brake squeal or pedal pulsation that could reveal worn discs or glazing. Beyond the specific items noted on the MOT, the vehicle’s age warrants a broader set of checks. Verify that all exterior lamps, including the off‑side rear fog lamp and stop lamps, operate correctly, as lighting failures have previously caused failures. Inspect the windscreen for the reported damage and ensure no cracks impair visibility. Test the 12 V battery voltage and check for any signs of sulfation, especially if the car has spent periods idle. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power‑steering fluid – and confirm that they have been changed at the manufacturer‑recommended intervals, as calendar ageing can degrade fluid performance even on low‑mileage cars. Finally, look for any corrosion on chassis mounting points, especially around the rear suspension and sub‑frame, and ensure that the service book shows regular maintenance stamps, which will give confidence that the vehicle has been kept in a consistent state of care.