2014 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · LD64 KLU

The most recent DVSA examination recorded against this 2014 Ford Fiesta is a PASS issued on 14 September 2023, with no defects or advisories captured at that time. The day prior, the vehicle failed on a single Major defect relating to the tyre pressure monitoring system, which suggests the unit was either reset, repaired, or had a sensor replaced before the immediate re-test. Across the recorded MOT history the overall trend is broadly stable rather than deteriorating, although the 2021 entry stands out as a cluster of serious items that warranted attention. The near-side rear tyre perished and cracking advisory first noted in April 2021 was repeated as an advisory at the subsequent test in April 2022 alongside a near-side rear tyre worn close to the legal limit on edge, indicating a persistent issue with that particular wheel that should be verified has been fully resolved with replacement rubber. Against a calendar age of approximately twelve years, the recorded mileage of 50,916 miles equates to an average of around 4,243 miles per annum, which is notably low for a vehicle of this type and generation. Such low annual usage typically implies either genuine light motoring, a long-term second car, or extended periods of standing. Mechanically, low mileage does not necessarily equate to a well-preserved vehicle; prolonged standing can bring its own problems including brake disc corrosion from lack of use, binding or seized brake calipers, deteriorated fuel and brake fluid through calendar ageing rather than mileage, and premature 12V battery failure. Equally, irregular use can mask wear items if the vehicle is rarely driven far enough to bring lubricants and consumables up to operating temperature. For a prospective buyer, the recurring tyre-related advisories merit direct physical inspection. The perished sidewall cracking originally flagged on the near-side rear should be confirmed absent on all four corners; look for visible hairline fractures, brittleness, or bulging in the sidewall rubber, particularly on any tyres that may now be several years old. On a test drive, listen for any steering wander, vibration through the column, or a pull to one side which could indicate uneven tyre wear, alignment drift, or a sticking brake caliper releasing unevenly. Confirm the correct and matching tyre sizes are fitted on the same axle, given the 2021 Major defect recorded for mismatched fitments, and ensure the tyre pressure monitoring system warning light extinguishes promptly after inflation. Given the age of the vehicle, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should also address the time-based service items that low mileage does not preserve. The 12V battery is well beyond its typical three to five year service life and should be load tested, as a marginal battery is the single most common cause of non-starts in older Fiestas. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and should have been renewed regardless of mileage; confirm by checking for a service stamp or fluid reservoir date. Inspect the brake discs on the nearside front in particular for corrosion lips around the outer edge, which suggests the caliper has been binding, and verify there is no evidence of fluid leaks from the rear wheel cylinders or suspension dampers. The earlier seat belt failures flagged as Major in 2021 should be confirmed as fully rectified, ensuring all rear belts retract smoothly, latch securely, and show no fraying of the webbing. Finally, because the car may have stood for extended periods, check for damp carpets and a musty smell which can indicate water ingress through the bulkhead or door membranes, a known issue on Fiesta models of this era, and listen on the road test for any suspension clonks over speed humps that could point to perished anti-roll bar bushes or worn rear beam bushes.