2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · GL66 FDP

The most recent DVSA examination on 7 November 2025 resulted in a Pass, however the same date also records a Fail due to a Dangerous defect concerning the offside rear inner tyre where ply or cords were exposed. This is a serious safety-related tyre integrity failure that would have been visible upon physical inspection and indicates the previous tyre was at or beyond its legal and safe serviceable life. The advisories accompanying both entries reference play in the nearside front steering rack inner joint and cosmetic damage to the offside front lower wing and outer sill. Looking back through the recent history, the pattern shows recurring steering and suspension advisories, including slight play in the nearside front steering arm noted in November 2024, perished and split rear axle bushes flagged in November 2023, and now steering rack inner joint play in 2025. This trajectory is one of gradually worsening chassis and steering wear rather than improvement, which is consistent with a vehicle that is now approaching ten years old and has covered nearly 82,000 miles. While the car is currently roadworthy, the advisories point toward steering and rear axle components that are progressively deteriorating and likely to require attention within the next service interval. The recorded mileage of 81,999 miles over a ten-year period equates to an annual average of approximately 8,200 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no unusually large gaps in the recorded mileages between tests to suggest extended periods of standing, nor are there signs of exceptionally high annual accumulation. This steady, moderate usage pattern is generally favourable from a mechanical standpoint, as the vehicle has been driven regularly enough to keep seals, brakes, tyres, and drivetrain components functional, while not being subjected to the accelerated wear that comes with very high mileage. Nevertheless, at this age and mileage, consumable wear items such as suspension bushes, brake discs, calipers, and steering linkages will be approaching the latter stages of their service life, and the MOT history already confirms that several of these are beginning to show measurable deterioration. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the recurring steering and suspension advisories when inspecting this Fiesta. The play noted in the nearside front steering rack inner joint and the earlier steering arm play suggest wear within the steering linkage that could manifest on a test drive as vagueness or looseness through the straight-ahead position, slight knocking or clunking over bumps, uneven or feathered wear on the front tyres particularly on the nearside shoulder, or a minor reluctance to self-centre after cornering. It is advisable to have the vehicle placed on a ramp or lift to physically check the steering rack inner joints, track rod ends, and any movement in the rack itself, as steering rack internal wear can be costly to rectify. The perished and split rear axle bushes flagged in 2023 may have worsened; on a test drive listen for clonking or knocking from the rear axle over uneven surfaces, particularly during low-speed manoeuvres or when traversing speed humps, and check for uneven rear tyre wear which would indicate the axle is no longer locating correctly. The damaged offside front wing and outer sill should also be examined closely for any structural concern, surface corrosion creeping beneath the damage, or evidence of poor prior repair that could mask rust in load-bearing areas. Beyond the recorded advisories, a ten-year-old Fiesta with moderate mileage warrants several age-related checks regardless of its MOT outcome. The tyres should be inspected for sidewall perishing and cracking from age, even if the tread depth remains legal, as rubber degrades with calendar age and a tyre older than six years may need replacement. The brake discs should be examined for lipping, surface corrosion, and any signs of a binding caliper, particularly as the vehicle appears to be in regular use. Brake fluid should be replaced every two years irrespective of mileage, and given the car's age the coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission oil should also be checked for condition and service history. The 12V battery is likely due for replacement if it has not been changed recently, as batteries typically last between five and seven years. Finally, the timing belt interval on this model must be verified, as a 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.25-litre engine of this age will be approaching or past its recommended replacement interval, and failure of this component can result in catastrophic engine damage. Confirming a full service history with documented timing belt replacement, alongside addressing the steering and rear axle wear, will be essential to ensuring sound ongoing roadworthiness.