2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · LS60 YVM

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 2026-05-30 with no defects recorded, which represents a positive outcome after the failure recorded just eleven days earlier on 2026-05-19. That earlier failure addressed three significant items, including an excessively worn offside rear axle swivel pin and bush, a nearside front inner track rod end ball joint with excessive play, and the nearside rear equivalent of the swivel bush wear. The fact that the vehicle passed a retest so shortly afterwards suggests remedial work was carried out, but a prospective buyer should be aware that suspension and steering components on a vehicle of this age and mileage are now at a stage where progressive wear is highly likely. Looking at the broader history, the trend is broadly stable but with clear signs of accumulating wear; advisories relating to steering rack inner joint play, lower steering column play from the rack, and pinion bearing play have appeared across the 2025 and 2023 tests, indicating a recurring steering system concern that may deteriorate further. The pattern of tyre wear advisories, particularly edges worn close to the legal limit across multiple positions, also suggests potential alignment or suspension geometry issues that warrant further investigation. With 181,999 miles recorded over approximately sixteen years, the vehicle has covered roughly 11,375 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of its age and use profile. The mileage accumulation appears to have been relatively consistent rather than concentrated in short bursts, although the absence of intermediate MOT records between 2023 and 2024 could indicate either a change of ownership, a period off the road, or a delay in testing. At this mileage, the mechanical implications are significant in terms of consumable wear; the engine, transmission, clutch, and major ancillary components have all been subjected to extensive use. Higher mileage Fiestas of this generation frequently present wear in areas such as the dual-mass flywheel, water pump, timing chain tensioner, and exhaust system, none of which are visible on an MOT but all of which carry increased risk at this odometer reading. Given the recurring steering-related advisories across multiple tests, particular attention should be paid to the steering system during any inspection. A prospective buyer should listen for clunks or knocks from the front end when traversing speed humps or uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn suspension bushes, drop links, or anti-roll bar mountings. On the test drive, excessive play or vagueness in the steering, particularly around the straight-ahead position, would suggest the steering rack itself is worn, and any knocking felt through the steering wheel when turning could point to track rod end deterioration similar to that which caused the recent failure. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes that were addressed should also be inspected for any signs of renewed play, as these components deteriorate progressively and a further replacement may be due within the next service interval. Beyond the documented MOT defects, a vehicle of this age and mileage requires careful scrutiny of age-related items that may not have triggered advisories. Tyre sidewalls should be examined closely for perishing or cracking, particularly given the prior advisories for cracking on the rear tyres, as rubber degrades with age regardless of tread depth. The brake system warrants a thorough check, including a physical inspection of brake disc condition for corrosion lipping, caliper operation to confirm they are not binding, and flexible brake hoses for any deterioration or cracking, noting that the earlier advisories referenced corroded brake pipes covered in grease. The 12V battery should be tested for holding charge, as batteries typically require replacement every four to six years and a failing unit is common in older vehicles. Service history verification is essential, particularly evidence of regular brake fluid changes, coolant renewal, and timing chain or belt replacement according to schedule, as time-based fluid degradation can cause internal corrosion within the cooling system and brake hydraulic components even where mechanical wear is otherwise moderate.