2013 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · KS63 ABF

The defining mechanical characteristic of this 2013 Ford Fiesta is a consistent and unresolved pattern of rear subframe mounting bush wear that has been flagged at every MOT test for the last four consecutive years. The most recent test on 17 December 2025 recorded a pass, but it carried forward advisories on both the nearside and offside rear subframe axle bushes for the fourth year running, alongside new advisories for both front brake pads wearing thin. The earlier tests from December 2022, December 2023, and December 2024 each passed with the identical pair of rear subframe bush advisories and nothing else noted, while the December 2021 test was completely clean. This indicates that the subframe mounting bushes have been deteriorating progressively year on year without intervention, and although they remain within legal tolerances, the recurrence suggests they are now approaching a point where replacement is likely to be required at the next assessment. The recorded mileage of 34,550 against a thirteen-year vehicle age equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 2,650 miles, which is substantially below average for a car of this vintage and considerably lower than typical Fiesta usage profiles of 6,000 to 10,000 miles annually. There are no obvious gaps in the testing record that would indicate a continuous period off the road, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2021 through 2025. Low annual mileage of this nature can result in prolonged stationary periods, which tends to accelerate the degradation of rubber components such as bushes and gaiters, and can lead to dried seals and surface corrosion on brake discs, even where pad wear is minimal. The subframe bush wear pattern observed here is broadly consistent with a low-mileage vehicle that has seen insufficient regular use to keep the rubber supple. For a prospective buyer, the rear axle bushes warrant close physical inspection, ideally with the vehicle on a ramp. While the MOT advisories confirm the bushes are not yet at a failure point, four consecutive years of recorded wear suggests they are unlikely to remain within advisory thresholds indefinitely, and replacement typically costs several hundred pounds once labour is factored in. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear suspension over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during sharp direction changes, and check for vagueness or a slight delay in the rear end responding to steering inputs. Also pay attention to any rear-end squat or dive that feels excessive, or any perceived wheel misalignment such as uneven rear tyre wear, as compromised subframe bushes can allow the rear axle to shift slightly under load. The front brake pads should be the next priority, given that both sides were flagged as wearing thin in December 2025 and are likely to require replacement before the next MOT. On a test drive, listen for any metallic scraping or squealing from the front wheels, particularly at low speed, and check for brake judder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm pedal application, which could also indicate disc wear given the pads are nearing the end of their service life. With 34,550 miles recorded, the brake discs themselves may also be approaching their minimum thickness and should be measured. Given the low overall mileage, it would also be prudent to check for any signs of brake disc corrosion on the inner and outer faces, listen for any sticking or binding calipers after a period of driving, and verify that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as caliper slides and mechanisms can seize on vehicles that see only light use.