2018 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Petrol · GG68 BEC

A consistent pattern of brake-related advisories dominates the MOT history of this 2018 Ford Fiesta, painting a clear picture of gradual but persistent friction component wear. The most recent test on 21 October 2025 recorded a pass, but with advisories noting pitted and scored inner brake discs on both axles, alongside cracking and perishing on both rear inner tyre sidewalls. Looking back through the record, brake disc wear advisories have appeared at every test since 2023, escalating from general wear notes in 2024 to specifically pitted conditions in both 2023 and 2025, affecting all four corners cumulatively. Additionally, a 2023 advisory flagged both rear brake pads as wearing thin, and a failed test on 21 October 2024 recorded headlamp aim defects on both sides and an illegible rear registration plate inscription, though the failure items were primarily lighting and administrative rather than structural. The brake wear trajectory is the most significant mechanical thread, showing steady deterioration rather than isolated incidents. With 60,505 miles recorded over eight years, this Fiesta averages roughly 7,563 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for its age and suggests a car that has been driven regularly rather than left standing for extended periods. There are no unusual gaps in the testing record, with annual MOTs consistently performed each October from 2021 onwards, indicating the vehicle has remained actively on the road. The relatively even annual mileage accumulation means consumables such as brake components, tyres and suspension parts have been subjected to normal in-service wear rates rather than the accelerated degradation often encountered on higher-mileage vehicles. This usage profile, combined with the recurring brake advisories, suggests a car where wear items are being flagged progressively as they reach the limits of their service life, rather than being neglected or ignored. For a prospective buyer, the brake system should be the primary focus of any physical inspection and test drive. Given that all four discs have shown pitting across multiple tests, it is advisable to measure remaining disc thickness against the manufacturer minimum specification, as repeated machining may no longer be possible and replacement of both front and rear discs alongside pads could be imminent. During a road test, listen for any brake squeal or grinding noise, particularly under light pedal pressure, and check for judder through the steering wheel or brake pedal which would indicate disc runout or uneven wear. The rear calipers should be inspected for seized slide pins, a known Ford Fiesta weakness that can cause uneven pad wear and pulling to one side under braking. Additionally, the front road wheel noted as slightly distorted on the nearside in 2024 should be examined for any residual vibration, particularly at motorway speeds, and the tyres should be carefully inspected for any sidewall cracking that extends beyond what was recorded, as perishing tends to spread over time. The headlamp aim failures from late 2024 are worth noting as a relatively straightforward but important rectification. Headlamp alignment on a Fiesta is typically adjusted via manual adjusters on each headlamp unit, and the fact that both sides were flagged simultaneously suggests either a previous adjustment error or suspension settling. A buyer should verify that both headlamps are correctly aimed, ideally on a flat surface against a wall, and check for any uneven beam pattern that could indicate a weak adjuster mechanism. The rear registration plate inscription being flagged as illegible is more cosmetic, but worth confirming has been replaced with a compliant plate. Beyond these recorded items, a test drive should include careful attention to any knocking from the front suspension over bumps, which is common on Fiestas of this era due to worn front wishbone bushes, and any signs of pulling under braking or steering wander that could indicate underlying brake or suspension issues developing in line with the documented wear pattern.