2017 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · GU10 HAR

The 2017 Ford Fiesta’s most recent MOT test on 2025-09-04 passed without defects, but the preceding test on 2025-09-03 failed for an unexplained reason—no recorded issues were logged. This abrupt reversal suggests either a minor administrative oversight or a last-minute correction, though the lack of detail undermines confidence in the vehicle’s consistent roadworthiness. The pattern of alternating pass/fail tests over the last two years—2024-08-08 passed, 2024-07-30 failed—implies either inconsistent test centre practices or intermittent mechanical issues that were not consistently reported. Without specific fault codes or advisories, the record does not reveal recurring problems, but the irregularity warrants scrutiny of components prone to silent degradation, such as suspension bushes or brake caliper binding. The recorded mileage of 40,281 miles over nine years equates to approximately 4,476 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The most recent significant mileage jump appears between the 2023-07-26 test (passed) and the 2024-07-30 failure, where the vehicle likely accumulated roughly 6,000 miles in a year—still modest but a notable increase. The sparse MOT history does not provide clear evidence of prolonged periods of inactivity, but the low average mileage suggests the car may have spent extended time stored or driven infrequently, potentially accelerating wear on fluids, tyres, or suspension components. Buyers should verify whether the vehicle was regularly serviced during these low-mileage periods, as neglect can lead to hidden corrosion or degraded rubber parts. Given the lack of specific faults in the MOT record, the primary focus for an in-person inspection should centre on components that often fail without clear warning signs. The suspension—particularly coil springs, bushes, and shock absorbers—should be examined for uneven wear or corrosion, as these can develop silently over periods of low usage. Brake discs and pads, while not explicitly flagged, may exhibit uneven wear if the vehicle was driven sporadically, leading to inconsistent braking performance. Structural integrity, especially around wheel arches and sills, must be checked for corrosion, as rust can compromise the chassis over time despite low mileage. Additionally, the battery, fluids (brake, power steering, coolant), and tyre tread depth should be verified, as these are often overlooked in low-mileage vehicles. The absence of advisories in recent tests does not guarantee these areas are sound, but they should be prioritised during inspection.