2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · L60 LAT

A clean pass recorded at the most recent DVSA test on 11 April 2026, with no advisories or defects noted, continues a generally sound roadworthiness trend for this 2016 Ford Fiesta, though the history is not entirely without incident. Across six recorded tests spanning 2020 to 2026, the vehicle has achieved five passes, and the single failure occurred at the 2022 retest on 13 June, where two major defects were identified simultaneously: a non-functioning offside stop lamp and fractured rear coil springs on both sides. These components were rectified and the vehicle subsequently passed every annual test from 2023 onwards without repeat advisories. The intermittent tyre advisories between 2020 and 2024 show routine wear progression rather than a systemic issue, with no suspension or brake-related advisories recurring after the 2022 coil spring failure, suggesting those repairs were carried out thoroughly. At 79,217 miles over an approximate ten-year lifespan, this Fiesta has accumulated roughly 7,900 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a vehicle of its age and class. The annual mileage progression recorded at each MOT is reasonably consistent, with no unusual jumps or extended gaps that would suggest prolonged periods off the road or erratic usage patterns. This steady, moderate accumulation implies regular but not arduous use, meaning consumable wear on items such as clutches, brake components, and suspension linkages should be broadly proportional to the odometer reading rather than artificially accelerated. The absence of any mileage-related advisories beyond tyre condition reinforces a usage profile consistent with ordinary mixed driving. For a prospective buyer, the most relevant areas to scrutinise on inspection are the rear suspension and related braking components. The 2022 failure recorded fractured rear coil springs on both sides simultaneously, which on a Fiesta of this age and mileage could indicate either a manufacturing batch issue or localised corrosion weakening the spring seats; a physical check of the rear spring pans for rust, and a road test listening for any clonking over uneven surfaces, would be prudent. Also worth verifying is the condition of the rear shock absorbers and their mounting points, as a broken coil spring can occasionally place additional stress on surrounding components. A subsequent bounce test at the rear, where the vehicle should settle promptly after being pressed down, will help confirm the dampers remain effective. The tyre advisories logged at three separate tests between 2020 and 2024, including instances of edge wear and a 2021 advisory noting all four tyres approaching the legal limit, point to a vehicle that may be worth checking for wheel alignment geometry. On a test drive, the buyer should pay particular attention to any steering pull to one side, uneven steering response, or vibration through the pedals under braking, which could indicate either tracking irregularities or warped brake discs. Additionally, confirming all brake lights illuminate correctly from both the pedal and a visual check behind the vehicle is worthwhile, given the 2022 stop lamp failure. Finally, inspecting the rear exhaust mounting rubbers, which can perish on higher-mileage Fiestas, and listening for any exhaust blows during the road test, would round off a thorough pre-purchase evaluation.