2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · LS60 YVR

A recurring pattern of front-end mechanical wear emerges as the defining feature of this 2010 Ford Fiesta's MOT record. The vehicle passed its most recent test on 30 May 2025, but the advisory list carried five items, several of which mirror defects flagged in the prior year's examination. The nearside front track rod end ball joint has now developed slight play, a component that influences steering precision and alignment geometry. Front tyres have been flagged in both 2024 and 2025 for perishing and inner or outer edge wear, suggesting an alignment or suspension geometry concern that has yet to be resolved. An oil leak, though not excessive, was noted for the first time in 2025, marking a new potential maintenance liability on a high-mileage engine. The deeper history reveals a more serious failure on 8 September 2022, where an excessively corroded offside front brake pipe was classified as a major defect and prevented the test pass, alongside binding front and rear brake issues. With 172,507 miles recorded over roughly sixteen years, this Fiesta has averaged approximately 10,782 miles annually, which sits broadly within typical expectations for a vehicle of its age and class. The mileage accumulation appears steady rather than sporadic, indicating consistent use rather than long periods of standing followed by heavy running. There are notable gaps in the testing record between 2022 and 2024, which may reflect periods off the road or administrative delays, but the overall mileage trend does not indicate an unusually low or abused usage profile. For a supermini of this vintage and mileage, the mechanical demands on consumables such as suspension bushes, brake components, engine seals, and drivetrain mounts will naturally be elevated, and the advisory history reflects exactly that kind of wear profile. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and steering assembly, given the recurring advisories on track rod ends, Macpherson strut mountings, and tyre wear patterns. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clonking noises from the front wheels when traversing speed bumps or potholes, which would indicate worn suspension bushes, drop links, or strut top bearings. Steering should feel precise and self-centring without excessive free play in the straight-ahead position; any sloppiness or irregular wandering suggests the track rod end play has progressed beyond the advisory threshold. Uneven tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges, should prompt a request for a recent wheel alignment printout or an inspection of the strut mounting referenced in the 2022 test. The braking system warrants particular scrutiny following the 2022 brake pipe corrosion failure and the persistent advisories on binding calipers and disc scoring. On the test drive, apply the brakes firmly at low speed and listen for any grinding, squealing, or rubbing noises that could indicate a seized caliper piston or excessively worn pads. A pulling sensation to one side under braking would confirm a binding caliper or uneven pad wear, both consistent with the 2022 advisories. Inspect the underside of the vehicle, particularly along the offside front chassis leg and around the fuel and brake lines, for any surface rust or corrosion bubbling through the underseal. Finally, place a clean sheet of cardboard beneath the engine overnight if possible, as the 2025 oil leak advisory suggests a growing engine seal or gasket issue that may soon progress from minor seepage to a more costly repair.