2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · FP15 VGZ

A clear pattern of lighting, tyre and trim-related issues runs through the MOT history of this 2015 Ford Fiesta, with three failure entries across the recorded tests pointing to a vehicle that has repeatedly been presented at the test bay in borderline condition rather than in a stable, road-ready state. The most recent test on 10 February 2026 was a pass, but it carried forward the same advisory for a deteriorated rear registration plate that has now appeared at three consecutive tests, alongside a long-standing minor defect for a damaged nearside rear reflector that has also persisted across the 2025 and 2026 entries. More importantly, the 2025 and 2023 tests both resulted in failures, the most serious being dangerous defects for front tyre tread below the 1.6mm legal minimum on both occasions (offside front inner in 2025 and both front tyres in 2023), plus stop lamp failures in both 2024 and 2023. The recurrence of tyre and lamp defects at multiple tests suggests these items are being attended to only reactively, immediately before test, rather than as part of a consistent maintenance routine. Mileage stands at 98,234 recorded miles over an 11-year life, which works out to roughly 8,930 miles per year and sits within a broadly average band for a Fiesta of this vintage. The testing record is continuous on an annual basis with no extended gaps off the road, and the mileage increments between tests appear steady and consistent rather than showing any sudden spikes or long stationary periods. That said, an annual figure in the high single-digit thousands is still meaningful wear on a small supermini, particularly on the suspension, clutch, braking components and exhaust system, and the recorded advisories already reflect some of that consumption — front brake pads were noted as wearing thin at the 2024 test and an offside rear brake was flagged as binding at the 2022 test. For a prospective buyer, the priorities on inspection should follow the actual components that have triggered advisories or failures in the record. The front brake pads flagged in 2024 should be checked for remaining material, and on a test drive any pulling to one side under braking, vibration through the pedal, or a grinding or scraping noise from the front wheels would suggest the pads and possibly the discs need replacement. The rear offside brake binding advisory from 2022 is worth particular attention — bind a handbrake-applied rear wheel on a test drive to feel for any roughness or resistance, and listen for a hot, acrid smell from the rear wheel after driving, which would indicate the caliper is not fully releasing. The nearside front tyre edge wear noted in both 2025 and 2026 advisories points towards possible wheel alignment or suspension geometry issues; check the inner and outer tread shoulders for uneven wear and feel for steering drift or a vague, wandering front end on the road, which could indicate worn wishbone bushes, track rod ends, or top mounts on the front suspension. The persistent registration plate deterioration and rear reflector defect are minor cosmetic items easily resolved, but the repeated stop lamp failures across 2023 and 2024 merit a closer look at the rear light cluster wiring and earth points, which on a Fiesta of this age can suffer from corrosion in the multi-plug connectors. The battery was noted as insecure on its carrier at the most recent test, so check that the battery clamp is properly seated and that the terminals are clean and tight, as a loose battery can vibrate against the bonnet and suffer premature failure. Finally, with nearly 100,000 miles covered, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven roads, check for oil seepage around the engine and gearbox, and confirm that the clutch feels firm and progressive without slipping under hard acceleration, as these are the items most likely to require attention on a high-mileage Fiesta approaching its twelfth year.