2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · GL63 STX

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 3 February 2026 resulted in a pass, accompanied by a single advisory concerning deterioration of the rear registration plate that is not yet considered likely to be misread. This is a trivial cosmetic item rather than a mechanical concern, and when viewed against the broader pattern of the previous four tests, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable rather than worsening. The 2025 test was completely clean, while the earlier 2023 and 2024 entries flagged progressively more notable wear items, primarily relating to the braking system, tyres, and rear axle swivel pins. The fact that the most recent test has reverted to a clean pass with no mechanical advisories suggests that the prior advisories were addressed, though a prospective buyer should not assume this without independent verification, particularly given the timing and nature of the items raised in 2024. With a recorded mileage of 43,471 miles across approximately twelve years, this Fiesta has covered an average of roughly 3,600 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical annual usage for a vehicle of this age and class. Such low mileage can reflect occasional or light use, but it also raises the possibility of extended periods of standing, during which corrosion can take hold on brake discs, calliper slide pins can seize, and certain rubber and fluid components can degrade on a calendar basis rather than through mechanical wear. The MOT history itself does not show any significant gaps in annual testing, and the recorded mileages between tests are broadly consistent with modest annual accumulation, indicating that the vehicle has been in regular use but driven relatively infrequently. Given the advisory items recorded in 2024 concerning front brake disc wear, pitting and scoring, and front brake pads wearing thin, a prospective purchaser should carry out a thorough inspection of the braking system before commitment. On a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the pedal, and verify that the vehicle pulls up in a straight line without pulling to either side, which would suggest uneven pad wear or a binding calliper. Given the low-mileage profile, there is an increased likelihood of brake disc surface corrosion and potentially seized calliper slide pins or handbrake mechanism, so it is worth confirming that the handbrake holds effectively on an incline and that the vehicle does not judder under moderate braking from higher speeds. If the advisories from 2024 have not been evidenced as resolved through receipts, budgeting for replacement front discs and pads in the near term would be prudent. Beyond the documented braking concerns, the 2023 advisory regarding the rear axle swivel pins and bushes being slightly worn on both sides warrants attention, as these components are subject to progressive deterioration and can contribute to imprecise rear handling, a vague feel through corners, or clonking noises over uneven surfaces. On a test drive, listen for any knocking from the rear suspension over speed bumps or rough roads. Given the vehicle's age and low usage, attention should also be directed to age-related items not necessarily captured in the MOT data, including tyre sidewall perishing and cracking, the condition and charge state of the 12 volt battery, the integrity of cooling system hoses, and the service history for brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil which degrade over time regardless of mileage. Verifying a stamped service book and any documented replacement of the timing belt and clutch, where applicable to this particular Fiesta variant, would provide further confidence in the vehicle's long term roadworthiness.