2020 Ford Fiesta Trend Turbo 1.0L Petrol · LM20 KVG

A chronic rear suspension oil leak and a pattern of brake wear define the mechanical history of this 2020 Ford Fiesta, with each annual test since 2023 surfacing defects rather than recording clean passes. The most recent test on 12 February 2026 saw the vehicle pass with no defects recorded, but on the same day it failed on two dangerous tyre tread depth deficiencies at the rear, which is unusual given that the front tyres were evidently acceptable. Stepping back across the four-year MOT record, the picture is consistently busy: in 2025 the nearside front brake pad was flagged as dangerous at less than 1.5mm thick, with both front brake discs noted as worn and pitted; the 2024 test recorded the same front disc pitting advisories plus the ongoing rear shock misting; and the 2023 test failed on a serious nearside rear shock absorber fluid leak, with the offside rear already showing light oil misting at the same time. The rear shock absorbers have therefore been a continuous item of attention throughout the entire recorded history, and the brake discs have been flagged at every test since 2024, indicating either persistent component wear or recurring fitment issues rather than one-off replacements. Recorded mileage of 39,932 against an age of approximately six years equates to an annual accumulation of around 6,655 miles, which sits within normal expectations for a small petrol supermini of this vintage. There are no significant gaps in the testing record nor any abrupt jumps in mileage between consecutive tests, with the mileage progressing steadily across each annual MOT. This consistent, moderate usage pattern means the vehicle has been exercised regularly enough to keep mechanical components, seals, and brakes from suffering the prolonged stationary degradation that affects low-mileage or laid-up cars, yet it has not accumulated the high wear mileage that typically shortens the life of clutches, dual-mass components, or brake consumables. For a turbocharged Fiesta of this age, the recorded mileage points to routine everyday use rather than a commercial or long-distance workload. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension is the single most important area to evaluate physically. With the nearside rear shock having previously been recorded as having a serious fluid leak and the offside rear shock showing light oil misting across three consecutive tests, the units should be inspected for fresh oil residue on the body of the damper, on the spring seat, and on the surrounding undertray. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and check for excessive vertical bouncing after pressing down on the rear corners, which would indicate the dampers have lost their hydraulic function. The front brake system also warrants close attention: the 2025 failure was driven by pad material worn below the 1.5mm minimum with both front discs pitted, and the discs were still flagged in 2024. Inspect the visible pad material through the wheel spokes, run a finger along the disc edge to feel for a sharp lip indicative of wear, and on the road feel for brake pedal pulsation or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking, which would suggest the discs have become distorted through wear or thermal cycling. Finally, verify tyre condition thoroughly, since the 2026 dangerous failure involved both rear tyres below the 1.6mm legal minimum on the same day the vehicle otherwise passed; measure tread depth across the full width of all four tyres, check for uneven shoulder wear pointing to suspension or geometry issues, and confirm the sidewalls are free of cracking or bulges. A thorough inspection underneath, particularly around the rear dampers and front brake assemblies, is essential before purchase.