2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · GJ14 XKA

The defining mechanical thread across the MOT history of this 2014 Ford Fiesta is rear suspension deterioration, combined with a single but severe episode of dangerous front tyre failure. The most recent test on 15 October 2025 passed with an advisory noting corrosion on the offside rear coil spring, which mirrors a previous failure on 4 October 2024 when the nearside rear coil spring was recorded as fractured or broken. Across the six tests on file there are two failures and multiple advisories concentrated on the rear axle and braking components, indicating a recurring area of wear rather than an isolated event. The 2025 advisory now signals that further corrosion-related deterioration is being observed on the opposite side to the earlier fracture, which is consistent with progressive structural fatigue on a 12 year old vehicle. With 75,399 miles recorded over approximately 12 years, the Fiesta has covered around 6,283 miles annually, placing it broadly in line with typical usage for its age. There are no extended gaps in the testing history between 2020 and 2025, suggesting the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods, which reduces the likelihood of issues such as seized brake calipers or deteriorated tyres from long immobility. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and proportionate, with no evidence of clocked or anomalous readings. That said, the recorded annual mileage is sufficient for routine consumable wear on suspension, braking, and tyre components to have accumulated, and the pattern of advisories reflects this. From a buyer perspective, the rear suspension is the primary area requiring close physical inspection. The fractured nearside rear coil spring in 2024 and the corroded offside rear coil spring advisory in 2025 indicate that the spring set is likely approaching the end of its service life, and a thorough check of all four springs for surface corrosion, sagging, or cracking is advisable. The 2021 advisory of light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, which was carried forward into a failure the same year, suggests the rear dampers may also be showing their age; on a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, and check for uneven ride height or excessive bounce when pressing down on each rear corner. Brake-related advisories from 2022, including thinning front brake pads and a binding offside front service brake, warrant a check for a dragging or pulling sensation under light braking, any hot wheel smell after driving, and uneven pad wear on inspection. The 2021 failure recorded dangerous exposed cords on both front tyres simultaneously, which is a serious finding and warrants confirmation that the wheels and tyres currently fitted are in good condition with even tread depth across the full width, including the inner edges which are often missed during casual inspection. Headlamp aim was also flagged as too low on both sides in 2021; on inspection, verify the headlamp alignment against a flat wall in subdued light to ensure both beams sit at or below the legal cutoff line without dazzling oncoming traffic. Finally, request that any previously replaced components such as coil springs, shock absorbers, brake pads, and tyres are evidenced with invoices, as the repeated advisories in these areas suggest ongoing remedial work has been required, and a prospective buyer should understand exactly what has been addressed versus what remains outstanding.