2011 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · LL61 DWM

The most recent DVSA examination on 11 November 2025 resulted in a PASS, although this must be viewed in the context of a prior FAILED test just four days earlier on 7 November 2025 where near-side front anti-roll bar linkage wear, an excessively worn ball joint, and failed front position lamps were identified as Major defects. The vehicle subsequently passed once these items were addressed, but a rear suspension arm pin or bush wear advisory remains outstanding from both the failed and passed tests. Looking at the wider MOT history, the maintenance trend is mixed and shows a gradual worsening pattern; the 2021 and 2022 failures related to front wheel bearings and track rod end ball joint wear indicate recurring front suspension and hub component deterioration, while the 2023 and 2024 advisories for deteriorated drive shaft CV boots, shock absorber oil misting, and tyres worn on the edge suggest consistent wear on consumable and chassis components. The 2025 failures for anti-roll bar linkage and position lamps, combined with the persistent rear suspension bush advisory, demonstrate that while the car remains fundamentally roadworthy, its underlying mechanical condition is steadily declining rather than stable. With a recorded mileage of 191,262 miles over approximately 15 years, this Ford Fiesta has averaged around 12,750 miles per year, which is notably high for a vehicle of this age and class. Such an annual figure indicates the car has been used consistently, likely covering a mix of urban and longer-distance journeys, which generally keeps mechanical components working but accelerates wear on consumables such as clutch, brakes, suspension bushes, wheel bearings, and engine ancillaries. The MOT history shows relatively continuous annual testing with no significant gaps, confirming the mileage is genuine and the vehicle has been in regular service rather than laid up for extended periods. At this mileage level, attention should focus on the major drivetrain and underbody components, as well as evidence of timely servicing, since high-mileage engines and gearboxes require more frequent fluid changes and the clutch may be approaching replacement. Given the recurring front suspension and wheel bearing defects recorded in the MOT history, particular attention should be paid to these areas during a physical inspection and test drive. The 2021 and 2022 failures for both near-side front wheel bearing play and roughness, combined with the 2025 near-side front anti-roll bar ball joint failure, suggest a pattern of front-end wear that may soon recur or affect the off-side components. On a test drive, listen for any humming or rumbling from the front wheels that changes with speed, indicating bearing wear, and listen for clonks or knocking over speed humps and uneven surfaces that could indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, track rod ends, or suspension bushes. Visually inspect the front tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which would point to suspension geometry or bush deterioration, and check the CV joint boots on both sides for splits or grease loss, as the off-side inner boot was flagged as deteriorated in 2022 and the near-side outer boot in 2023. The near-side rear shock absorber oil misting advisory from 2024 should be checked for progression by looking for fresh oil residue on the shock body and listening for poor damping behaviour such as continued bouncing after a sharp downward press on the rear corner. Beyond the specific MOT advisory items, a prospective buyer should carry out thorough age and mileage-related checks given the vehicle's high accumulated use. Even though the Fiesta has been driven regularly rather than left standing, the 15-year age brings calendar-based degradation concerns such as perishing or cracking of tyre sidewalls, brake hose and drive belt deterioration, and degradation of coolant, brake fluid, and the 12V battery, none of which appear in MOT test data but are common failure points at this age. Verify that the service book contains stamps or invoices at regular intervals confirming timely oil and filter changes, and check the condition and age of any visible battery by its date code. Inspect the brake discs on both sides for corrosion or lipping and confirm the calipers are not seizing, particularly after the near-side front bearing issues, and ensure all position lamps, including the registration plate lamp which was flagged as a Minor defect in 2024, are functioning. A final check of the underbody for corrosion, exhaust integrity, and any evidence of fluid leaks will be worthwhile, as a 15-year-old high-mileage car approaching 200,000 miles requires careful verification that the engine, gearbox, and structural areas remain sound before purchase.