2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · LP15 YCV

The most recent MOT, carried out on 3 December 2024, was passed but recorded an advisory that the front brake disc is worn, pitted or scored, although it is not yet seriously weakened. This follows a failure just two days earlier (30 November 2024) which highlighted a number of major faults – an off‑side dipped‑beam headlamp, an excessively worn off‑side front lower suspension arm ball‑joint, a non‑functioning off‑side stop lamp and front brake pads below the minimum thickness. The shift from a failure to a pass suggests that the seller has addressed the critical safety items, yet the persistence of brake‑disc wear and the earlier suspension arm wear indicate that the vehicle’s maintenance has been reactive rather than proactive and that some wear items remain on the verge of becoming serious defects. At 116,303 mi the Fiesta has accumulated roughly 10,600 mi per year over its eleven‑year life, a usage pattern that sits squarely within the normal range for a small family hatchback. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, which implies the car has not spent extended periods idle for long stretches, but the steady annual mileage also means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes, suspension bushings and engine oil will be in line with calendar‑age expectations rather than being accelerated by unusually high mileage. When you inspect the car, give particular attention to the front braking system. The advisory on the front disc together with the 2024 failure for thin pads means the disc may soon require resurfacing or replacement, and the pads will need fitting soon if not already done. On a test drive feel for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, listen for squeal that could indicate uneven pad wear, and check that the pedal feels firm without excessive travel. Examine the off‑side lower suspension arm and its ball‑joint for any play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions; any clunk or looseness would confirm that the previous wear has not been fully remedied. Verify that both the dipped‑beam headlamp and the stop lamp on the off‑side function correctly, as lighting faults are safety‑critical and cheap to rectify. Beyond the recorded defects, the 2023 advisory about a slightly cracked or perishing near‑side rear tyre warrants a close visual and tactile inspection of all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven tread wear that could have progressed since the last MOT. Check the tyre pressures and look for any bulges or foreign objects lodged in the tread. Given the vehicle’s age, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and test the battery’s cranking voltage, especially if the car has been stored for periods. Examine the engine bay for any signs of oil or coolant leaks, and confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes at the manufacturer’s intervals; fluid degradation can occur even on low‑mileage cars if service intervals have been missed. Finally, look for rust around wheel arches, sills and the under‑carriage, as standing time can promote corrosion that may affect structural integrity and suspension components. Addressing these points will give you a clear picture of any imminent maintenance costs and the overall roadworthiness of the Fiesta.