2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · GD14 GCY

A pattern of minor advisories combined with two present-category MOT failures for safety-related items shapes the mechanical picture of this 2014 Ford Fiesta. The most recent test on 22 June 2026 produced a pass, but the same date also shows a failure for an offside rear stop lamp not working, which was rectified and re-presented the same day. An earlier failure on 1 June 2024 was recorded for a nearside rear seat belt buckle not functioning as intended, again repaired and re-tested on the same visit. Both failures are isolated, single-item safety defects rather than systemic structural or braking problems, yet their presence on a relatively short MOT record spanning six tests is worth noting. The advisory trail shows rear tyre cracking and perishing flagged at the 2026 test, front tyre wear and edge wear noted in 2025 and 2021, and a light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber recorded in 2026. The overall trend is one of broadly stable roadworthiness with minor cosmetic and consumable advisories rather than escalating mechanical deterioration. With 36,446 miles recorded over twelve years, this Fiesta has covered approximately 3,037 miles per year on average, which is substantially below typical annual mileage for a car of this age. The MOT record shows annual testing from 2021 onwards with no significant gaps, indicating the vehicle has been in regular use rather than laid up for extended periods. Lower mileage of this nature generally reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox, and engine internals, but it also means consumables like tyres, brake pads, and brake discs may have aged through rubber degradation and surface corrosion rather than mechanical wear. The light oil misting recorded on the front shock absorber is consistent with a component that has seen age-related seal degradation rather than high-mileage fatigue, and the cracking noted on both rear tyres is likewise typical of rubber that has hardened over time rather than worn through use. For a prospective buyer, the specific items flagged in the MOT record should drive the physical inspection. The rear tyres showing cracking and perishing should be examined for sidewall and tread groove deterioration, and any tyres older than five years should be regarded as due for replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. The nearside front shock absorber with light oil misting warrants a test drive over uneven surfaces and speed humps to detect any knocking, excessive bouncing, or reduced damping control, particularly when cornering. The front tyres previously flagged for edge wear in 2021 and 2025 suggest monitoring for uneven shoulder wear that could indicate suspension geometry issues, worn bushes, or tracking misalignment, so the car should be driven in a straight line to check for steering pull and the steering wheel should sit correctly centred. The brake discs and pads, while not flagged in the MOT record, should be visually inspected for corrosion given the low mileage, and a test drive should include firm brake applications to confirm there is no judder or grinding. Beyond the flagged items, the seat belt buckle failure recorded in 2024 should prompt confirmation that both rear seat belts latch, retract, and release correctly without sticking. The stop lamp failure from the 2026 test means all lighting, including number plate illumination and rear fog lamp if fitted, should be verified as functional. Given the low annual mileage, a stationary 12V battery is a likely risk if the vehicle has not been driven regularly, so cranking speed and electrical functionality on first start-up should be observed carefully. Finally, requesting evidence of recent servicing, particularly cambelt or timing chain status for the Fiesta's engine, is advisable as such records are not captured within the MOT data provided.