2018 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · LF18 RPX

The defining mechanical story of this 2018 Ford Fiesta is a pattern of recurring tyre wear advisories that recurred across multiple MOTs before returning to a clean result in September 2026. Three separate assessments between late 2022 and early 2024 each flagged edge wear on both rear and front tyres (advisory 5.2.3 (e)), indicating a persistent issue rather than a one-off problem. Despite the vehicle passing its most recent MOT on 2026-09-01 with no defects recorded, the repetition of these advisories suggests that either the driving conditions involved regular exposure to rough surfaces or that underlying alignment and inflation management needs addressing. The car remains roadworthy according to the latest test, but the historical tyre advisories form the central mechanical narrative that will shape the buying decision. In terms of mileage, the 48,127 miles logged over an eight-year ownership period works out to approximately 6,016 miles per year, which aligns closely with typical consumption figures for a compact hatchback of this age. The MOT testing schedule appears consistent with manufacturer recommendations, with the most recent test conducted merely nine days before today, leaving little gap in the inspection timeline. There are no apparent spikes or drops in recorded mileage that would signal unusual driving behaviour such as prolonged idling or sudden acceleration bursts. The steady accumulation rate implies the vehicle has been driven regularly enough to generate measurable tyre wear yet not so heavily that major components would have seen accelerated degradation. The primary component to scrutinise during a test drive is the tyre situation highlighted by the repeated advisories. Edge-worn tyres (particularly the rear tyres in 2024 and the combined front-rear pair in 2023) often manifest as visible cupping on the outer edges or reduced tread depth compared to the inner sides, which can cause the vehicle to pull slightly to one side under load or create vibration when travelling over bumps and potholes. Pay close attention to whether the car maintains straight-line stability through corners and whether any noticeable pulling occurs when the vehicle is loaded or when accelerating from low speeds. Additionally, since the 2022 MOT noted some deterioration of the rear registration plate (advisory 0.1 (b)), a quick visual check of the bodywork around the rear lights and licence plate area should confirm nothing further has developed that might distract from the tyre-focused assessment. Beyond the tyre advisories, the September 2026 pass offers reassurance that the chassis, suspension and drivetrain have remained structurally sound since the last correction. Nevertheless, because the same tyre issues resurfaced in 2024 and 2023, it would be prudent to verify that any alignment adjustments or tyre replacements made during those periods were correctly executed and sustained. If the test drive reveals consistent handling and no new warning lights, the car presents a functional package, though the recurring tyre wear history remains the single most important factor a prospective buyer should validate independently before committing to purchase.