2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · JB65 BAT

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 July 2026 resulted in a pass, although two advisories were recorded: slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, and wear in the rear sub-frame axle bushes not yet resulting in excessive movement. Looking back through the test history, the maintenance trend cannot be described as stable, as the 2023 and 2025 cycles each produced either immediate failures or a cluster of advisories. The 2023 test recorded a fractured offside rear coil spring classed as a major defect, alongside dangerous front brake pad wear, while the 2025 entry shows a failed test for excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint and an incorrectly aimed headlamp, followed by a re-test pass carrying five advisories covering shock absorber oil misting, anti-roll bar linkage play, perished tyres and a nail in a rear tyre. The fact that the same offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has now appeared on three consecutive tests indicates a persistent wear point that is progressing rather than being rectified, and this should be regarded as a recurring concern for any prospective buyer. With 66,479 miles recorded over a ten-year life, the vehicle averages approximately 6,648 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and segment. There are no large unexplained gaps in the mileage sequence between tests, suggesting continuous use rather than extended periods of standing, which is generally favourable for avoiding the kind of corrosion and deterioration that affects low-use vehicles. That said, 66,479 miles is by no means low for a Fiesta, and mechanical consumables such as clutches, suspension components, exhaust mounting rubbers, and engine ancillary drives will be subject to the cumulative wear one would expect at this odometer reading. The mileage progression appears consistent and unremarkable, so there is no immediate cause for concern regarding the integrity of the recorded distance, but the figure itself confirms that the car is now well into its mid-life phase. Turning to the specific advisories, the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has been flagged for slight play in 2025, at the failed test in July 2025, and again at the most recent test in July 2026, demonstrating a component that is progressively deteriorating rather than being replaced. On a test drive, this typically manifests as a knocking or clunking noise from the front suspension, particularly over speed humps, potholes, or uneven road surfaces, and may be accompanied by a slight vagueness in the steering response. The rear sub-frame axle bushes, newly advisory in 2026, are also worth monitoring for any rear-end clonks or a feeling of the back axle shifting under load. The nearside front shock absorber was noted as having light oil misting in both 2025 entries, which is an early indicator of seal failure; this is likely to progress to a more visible oil leak and reduced damping efficiency, so the buyer should listen for any front-end wallow or uneven ride behaviour over undulating roads, and expect replacement within the next service interval. Given the vehicle's age and the recurring suspension-related advisories, a pre-purchase inspection should focus not only on the flagged items but also on age-related deterioration common to a ten-year-old Fiesta. Even where tyres are not flagged, the sidewalls should be carefully examined for perishing and cracking caused by UV exposure, particularly on a car that has spent much of its life outdoors. Brake discs should be checked for corrosion lipping and the calipers for any signs of binding, which is common on vehicles used for short journeys. The 12V battery is approaching the end of its typical service life and should be load-tested, while brake fluid and coolant should be regarded as overdue for renewal on a calendar basis regardless of mileage, as both degrade with time. Finally, the exhaust system, including the catalyst and rear silencer, warrants a physical examination for corrosion, and the timing belt or chain service interval should be verified against the manufacturer's schedule, as a 2016 Fiesta will be approaching or due for this significant maintenance item.