2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LR14 XDU

The most recent MOT on 3 April 2026 resulted in a failure, principally for a non‑functional windscreen washer, with a series of advisories covering thin front brake pads, front and rear tyre tread at or near the legal limit and a rear axle swivel‑pin/bush wear. Over the past three years the record shows a pattern of recurring tyre wear and ageing, progressive rear‑axle bush wear and occasional shock‑absorber oil misting, while earlier tests were largely passed with only advisory notes. This indicates a maintenance trend that is slipping rather than stabilising, as defects are moving from advisory status to outright failures and new items such as the washer fault have emerged. At 63,238 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 5,300 mi per year, well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi annually. The low annual mileage suggests the car has spent considerable periods idle, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber, seals and batteries deteriorate with age even when not driven. The modest mileage also means that wear‑related components such as the engine and transmission are likely to be in good condition, but the prolonged standing periods raise concerns about tyre perishing, corrosion of suspension bushings and the health of the battery and fluid reserves. When you inspect the vehicle, give the tyre set the most thorough examination. All four tyres have been flagged for tread close to the legal limit, and the rear tyres have been noted as “slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” for several years; look for side‑wall cracks, dry‑rot, bulges or any loss of rigidity, and verify the manufacture date on the sidewall – tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Assess the front brake pads for remaining thickness; thin pads will produce a high‑pitched squeal under light braking and can lead to reduced stopping power, so also check the disc surfaces for scoring or glazing. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes have been marked as slightly worn; feel for any play when the rear wheels are rocked and listen for clunking noises during cornering, as excessive play can affect handling stability. The rear shock absorbers showed light oil misting in 2025, a sign of seal wear that may cause uneven ride height, excessive bounce or leaking fluid onto the wheel arches, so inspect for oil stains and test the ride quality over bumps. Finally, verify that the windscreen washer system is restored, as a functional washer is essential for safe night and wet‑weather driving; a faulty pump or blocked nozzle will leave the glass uncleaned. Confirm that the rear stop lamp now operates correctly, and check all exterior lighting for proper aim, especially after the 2024 headlight‑adjuster advisory. Given the car’s age and low usage, have the 12 V battery load‑tested, examine the condition of the coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids for signs of contamination or water ingress, and inspect the under‑carriage for any rust or corrosion that can develop during long periods of storage. Addressing these items before purchase will give a clear picture of the Fiesta’s roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a fully reliable state.