2022 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Petrol · FV72 GOA

The latest DVSA MOT test conducted on 16 September 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, which represents the most favourable possible outcome for a vehicle of this age. With only a single MOT entry available due to the car's first-test eligibility falling in 2025, there is insufficient longitudinal data to formally establish a maintenance trend, but the absence of any flagged items on its inaugural test is a positive baseline indicator. It is worth acknowledging that the Fiesta ST-3 Turbo is a high-performance variant with relatively short MOT exemption periods and that a clean first pass, while reassuring, does not negate the need for a thorough pre-purchase inspection given the vehicle's specific mechanical character and the broader requirements of any used performance car purchase. With a recorded mileage of just 10,517 miles over approximately four years, this Fiesta has covered only around 2,629 miles annually, which is considerably below the national average and suggests either predominantly urban or short-journey usage or extended periods of standing unused. Such low annual mileage carries distinct mechanical implications, as components that degrade with calendar age rather than wear tend to suffer disproportionately. The turbocharged engine, in particular, may have experienced prolonged idle periods and short journeys that are less than ideal for turbocharger longevity, oil circulation, and condensation within the charge air and exhaust systems. Additionally, the clutch, brakes, and tyres will have seen minimal mechanical wear but may exhibit age-related degradation that is not reflected in serviceable component thickness alone. For the prospective buyer, several age-and-mileage-specific physical checks are strongly advised before purchase. The tyres, despite likely retaining substantial tread depth given the low mileage, should be closely inspected for sidewall perishing, cracking, or dry rot, as rubber compounds degrade chemically over time irrespective of use; any tyres fitted before 2022 should be replaced on safety grounds regardless of remaining tread. The 12-volt battery should be health-checked, as low-mileage vehicles are particularly susceptible to premature battery failure due to incomplete charge cycles, and a marginal battery may have allowed mild corrosion at the terminals. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for surface corrosion and seizing, as extended standing can cause caliper slide pins to bind and pistons to stick, leading to uneven pad wear, brake drag, and pulling under braking. The exhaust system, including the downpipe and turbo heat shielding, warrants visual inspection for corrosion, and the coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil should be evaluated for time-based degradation, with brake fluid particularly susceptible to moisture absorption over a four-year period. Finally, given that this is a performance-oriented turbocharged model, a comprehensive test drive is essential to identify symptoms that a static inspection or MOT history cannot reveal. Listen for any turbo whistle, whine, or bearing rumble on light throttle application, and check for hesitation, overboost, or inconsistent boost delivery that may indicate wastegate or boost control issues. The clutch should be evaluated for slipping under hard acceleration, and the gear linkage tested for precise engagement, as the ST's close-ratio gearbox can exhibit worn synchronisers on lower-mileage cars that have seen infrequent use. Suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and top mounts should be inspected for perishing or cracking from standing, and a road test over uneven surfaces should be conducted to detect any knocking, clonking, or loose-handling characteristics. A full Ford service history stamp verification, ideally using Ford-approved service intervals, will provide confidence that the timing chain, spark plugs, and manufacturer-specified fluids have been attended to within their respective service windows, which is particularly important for a turbocharged powertrain where missed services can lead to disproportionately costly remedial work.