2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · FN66 YPC

A pattern of small but persistent advisories, rather than any catastrophic failure, defines the mechanical story of this 2016 Ford Fiesta. Across all seven recorded tests, every entry has resulted in a pass, with the lone recorded failure on 27 March 2026 being driven by a trivial near-side rear stop lamp defect rather than a structural or braking concern. Notably, that same test also produced an advisory for slight play in both front lower anti-roll bar ball joints, an item that has not previously appeared in the record and warrants close physical inspection. Beyond that isolated component, the advisory history is dominated by surface corrosion to the exhaust system noted across four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025, alongside repeated notes that engine and underbody cover panels obscure testable components. The exhaust surface corrosion appears stable rather than progressive in the records, but it remains the single most consistent theme in the file and should be inspected for any transition from surface oxidation to through-wall perforation. The recorded mileage of 23,673 miles over approximately ten years equates to an annual accumulation of around 2,367 miles, which is substantially below the typical usage rate for a supermini of this age. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing cycle, with the vehicle presenting itself for inspection every year from 2020 through 2026, indicating it has remained in regular road use rather than being placed off the road for extended periods. This low-mileage profile means that wear-related components such as brake pads and discs, clutch friction material, and tyre tread depth are unlikely to have been consumed at a normal rate, but it also raises the possibility of age-related degradation in rubber and polymer components. Suspension bushes, anti-roll bar linkages, brake hydraulic seals, coolant hoses, and the 12V battery are all items that deteriorate with calendar age regardless of mileage, and these should be evaluated with that context in mind. The most recent advisory regarding slight play in both front lower anti-roll bar ball joints is the priority item for any prospective inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or shimmy through the steering wheel, particularly under braking or on uneven surfaces. The ball joint should be physically checked with the wheel lifted, looking for vertical or horizontal movement at the joint where it meets the anti-roll bar, as slight play flagged at MOT can progress toward an MOT failure if not addressed. Given that the wear is on both sides simultaneously, this may point to the general age of the front suspension bushings rather than an isolated impact damage event, so a broader inspection of the front wishbones, drop links, and strut top mounts is advisable. The recurring surface corrosion advisory on the exhaust system merits a physical examination from underneath the vehicle, checking for any thinning of the metal, particularly at the box sections and pipe joints where moisture collects. On the road, listen for any change in exhaust note that might suggest a blowing joint or perforation, and feel for any unexpected increase in engine noise that could indicate a failing section. The repeated advisories regarding underbody and engine cover panels obscuring testable components mean that a proper pre-purchase inspection should specifically request that these panels be removed so that the engine sump, oil filter housing, suspension arms, and steering rack can be visually examined for leaks or corrosion. Finally, given the very low mileage, verify the production date on the tyres fitted to the vehicle, as aged tyres with hardened rubber compound can present a safety concern regardless of remaining tread depth, and confirm the battery is holding charge adequately as a ten-year-old unit is well beyond typical service life.