2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LB63 BLV

A persistent theme in this Fiestas recorded test history is a progressive deterioration of the front suspension and steering linkage, evidenced by worsening advisories and two MOT failures within four years. The earliest sign of this came in 2019 with slight play noted at the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and the offside front rack end. By November 2021 the offside front track rod end had developed slight play, a defect that was repeated again in 2022 alongside an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint flagged as excessively worn, which caused the 2022 test to fail. The 2023 retest then failed on excessive play at both the offside track rod end ball joint and the steering linkage ball joint itself. The most recent pass on 22 November 2024 records further deterioration, with play now noted in the front sway bar attachment bushings, plus a nearside front inner brake pad worn to minimum thickness. Taken together, the record shows a front end that is continuing to loosen and wear, with steering and suspension joints that have not held up reliably across consecutive annual tests. Annual mileage on this twelve year old vehicle averages roughly 9,000 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical accumulation for its age, and the records show consistent annual testing with no multi-year gaps. The first reading of 108,328 miles was taken at the 2024 test, meaning around 15,000 to 18,000 miles have been covered in each of the last two recorded years, a slightly higher than average pace that places additional demand on the very components already showing wear. Notably, the gearbox and drivetrain area has attracted repeated advisories: a transmission seal oil leak in both 2023 and 2024, and an earlier advisory on an offside front driveshaft seal oil leak on the gearbox in 2022. The ongoing nature of these leak advisories suggests persistent sealing issues rather than a one-off weeping joint. For a prospective buyer, the priority on any physical inspection and test drive should be a thorough evaluation of the front end geometry and steering response. The recorded ball joint and track rod end play issues mean clunks or knocking noises over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning into kerbs or traversing speed bumps, should be treated as red flags. Steering that feels loose, vague, or exhibits any wandering on a straight road would indicate the linkage joints have worn beyond the advisory stage. The brake pedal should be checked for judder or pulsation under firm application, given the front discs were flagged as worn in 2019 and the nearside front inner brake pad was recorded at minimum thickness in 2024, and the calliper should be inspected for any binding or uneven pad wear that might explain accelerated disc and pad consumption on one side. Underneath the vehicle, the undercarriage should be examined with a torch for any fresh oil residue around the gearbox and transmission bell housing, as the transmission seal leak has now been recorded in three consecutive tests. Equally, both rear coil springs warrant close attention; an advisory in 2021 noted corrosion at the bottom coil of both rear springs, and on a twelve year old car driven in mixed conditions, this corrosion can progress to cracking and breakage, which would be audible as a metallic rattle or noticeable as the rear sitting lower than expected. Finally, a simple functional check of all exterior lighting is sensible given the 2023 failure for non-functioning front position lamps and stop lamps, and the indicator switch should be confirmed as operating smoothly without sticking, an issue recorded as a minor defect in 2022.