2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · L33 LAF

The defining mechanical thread in this Fiesta's MOT record is a pattern of tyre-related issues, culminating in a dangerous failure on 6 August 2026 when the nearside rear tyre was found with tread depth below the legal 1.6mm limit. On the same date, the vehicle subsequently passed after the tyre was replaced, though advisories were raised for all four tyres being worn close to the legal limit or on the edge, and both rear tyres showing cracking and perishing damage. This represents the most significant roadworthiness concern in the file, and the rapid return to a pass on the same day suggests the failed tyre was addressed immediately prior to the retest. Looking back, the 2025 test recorded front brake pads wearing thin along with the recurring registration plate deterioration advisory, while the 2021 test already flagged both front inner tyres as worn almost to cords on the inner edges, a pattern that has clearly continued and worsened. The 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests were otherwise clean aside from minor advisories, with only one minor failure recorded across the entire history in August 2023 for an inoperative nearside stop lamp, an electrical defect rather than a mechanical wear issue. Overall, the trend is one of escalating tyre wear rather than any systemic mechanical deterioration, but the near-miss on tread depth warrants close scrutiny of the current tyre set and the underlying wheel alignment geometry. With 73,334 miles recorded over ten years of testing, this Fiesta has averaged roughly 7,333 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no significant gaps in the testing record, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2021 through 2026, suggesting the car has been in regular use throughout this period rather than laid up for extended spells. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and consistent rather than showing sudden jumps or stagnation that would indicate irregular use. At this accumulation rate, consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutch components will have seen a proportionate level of wear, but the vehicle should not yet be approaching major drivetrain or engine internal refurbishment thresholds purely on mileage grounds. The relatively even usage pattern does mean, however, that any wear-related defects flagged in advisories are likely genuine reflections of mechanical condition rather than artefacts of sporadic use. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection area is the full set of tyres and the geometry of the front and rear axles. Given that the 2026 advisories noted all four tyres worn close to the legal limit or on the edge, and the 2021 test specifically flagged both front inner edges worn almost to cords, this suggests a persistent issue with either camber misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or simply heavy front-end tyre wear typical of a front-wheel-drive Fiesta with this mileage. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, as worn wishbone bushes or anti-roll bar drop links are common on this generation and would accelerate uneven inner-edge tyre wear. Check that the steering returns to centre smoothly without any pulling to one side, as a drifting pull under braking or acceleration could indicate geometry or bush wear beyond acceptable limits. Inspect the sidewalls of all four tyres carefully for any bulges, cracking, or perishing, as the 2026 advisories noted damage and cracking on both rear tyres, and replace any tyre showing sidewall deterioration regardless of remaining tread depth. The braking system also warrants close attention given the 2025 advisory that front brake pads were wearing thin, which on a Fiesta at this mileage suggests the pads are likely approaching or have already reached replacement threshold. On a test drive, listen for any metallic grinding or squealing from the front wheels under light braking, and feel for any pulsation through the brake pedal that could indicate disc lipping or disc warping, particularly common on this model once pads are run low. Check visually that the brake discs have an adequate friction surface remaining and are free from deep scoring or blueing from overheating. The 2023 stop lamp failure is a relatively isolated minor electrical issue, but it is worth verifying that all exterior lighting including the rear brake lights, number plate illumination, and rear fog lamp function correctly before purchase, as Fiesta tailgate wiring can develop contact faults over time. Finally, the recurring registration plate deterioration advisory across multiple tests is purely cosmetic and easily rectified with a replacement plate, and should not factor into any mechanical concerns about the vehicle.