2019 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · GL69 LGU

The most recent DVSA examination on 22 December 2025 resulted in a Pass, accompanied by a single advisory regarding the nearside front inner tyre being worn close to the legal limit on its edge. Viewing the broader trajectory, the vehicle has passed every test since the 2022 failure, and the advisory count has trended downward from two items in late 2022 to one in late 2025, suggesting a stable and well-managed maintenance pattern. The single failure in November 2022 concerning a leaking offside rear shock absorber was clearly rectified, as the vehicle has passed without recurrence over the subsequent three tests. Overall, the MOT record does not raise any immediate red flags regarding systemic neglect, though the recurring theme of inner-edge tyre wear is a pattern worth investigating further. With 68,276 miles recorded over approximately seven years, the Fiesta has covered around 9,754 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There is no evidence in the recorded history of extended standing periods or unusually rapid accumulation, both of which carry their own mechanical risks. The mileage cadence suggests consistent use, which generally promotes healthier running gear, lubrication of seals, and regular fluid cycling, though it does mean that wear items such as clutches, suspension components, and braking systems have been exercised at a normal rate. The annual average places this example in a comfortable middle ground, neither so low as to raise corrosion concerns nor so high as to imply excessive component fatigue. A consistent observation across the MOT history is premature inner-edge tyre wear on multiple corners, first noted on the offside front in 2022, then on both rear tyres in 2024, and most recently on the nearside front in 2025. This pattern, particularly when spread across different axles over time, frequently points to geometry misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or sagging coil springs, all of which are common failure points on a Fiesta of this vintage. On a test drive, a buyer should listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay attention to steering wander, tramlining on poor road surfaces, or any pulling to one side under braking. A four-wheel alignment check at a specialist would be a prudent investment, and it would be worth inspecting the rear axle beam bushes, a known weakness on this model, alongside the front wishbone and anti-roll bar drop links. The previous offside rear shock absorber leak should also prompt a physical check of the existing dampers for any fresh oil misting or weeping around the seal area. Beyond the documented advisories, the seven-year age and moderate mileage of this Fiesta warrant a few standard age-related inspections before purchase. The brake fluid should have been changed at least every two years regardless of mileage, so confirming this service history is worthwhile, and the coolant should have been refreshed on a similar calendar basis. The 12V battery in vehicles of this age frequently suffers from reduced capacity, particularly if the car has seen any short-trip use, so a load test or simple voltage check under cranking is advisable. Brake discs may exhibit surface corrosion or lipping from age, and the caliper guide pins and sliding mechanisms can seize from infrequent heavy use, so a rolling inspection with the wheels removed to verify free disc rotation and even pad wear would be sensible. Finally, while not yet flagged, the timing belt and water pump replacement interval on this generation of Fiesta is a critical scheduled item that should be verified against service records before committing.