2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · MF66 WGG

The most recent MOT on 18 August 2026 was a pass, with the only advisory noting slight wear on the rear axle swivel pins and bushes on both sides. Over the past five years the vehicle has consistently passed its tests, with a single failure in June 2023 that was limited to a nearside stop‑lamp fault and promptly rectified. The pattern of advisories – recurring rear axle bush wear, rear tyre perishing and a minor rear‑exhaust leak – suggests a stable but gradually deteriorating condition; there are no new safety‑critical failures, yet the wear items are accumulating year on year. At 43 695 miles for a 2016 model the average annual mileage is roughly 4 300 mi, well below the UK average for a ten‑year‑old car. Such low utilisation typically points to light, possibly intermittent use, which can be favourable for engine and transmission life but also raises the likelihood of age‑related degradation such as rubber perishing, corrosion on suspension joints and battery electrolyte loss. There are no evident gaps in the recorded mileage, indicating the odometer reading is realistic and the car has not been subjected to any periods of high‑speed, high‑load operation that would accelerate wear on drivetrain components. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the rear axle assembly. The repeated advisory on swivel pins and trailing‑arm bushes means the bushings are approaching the end of their service life; a hand‑wheel test for rear wheel play, audible clunks over bumps and any uneven rear tyre wear are indicative of excessive movement. Replacement of the rear axle bush set is advisable within the next few thousand miles to avoid progressive alignment drift. The rear tyres have been flagged for cracking and perishing for three consecutive years, a clear sign that the rubber has aged despite the low mileage; sidewall inspection for dry rot, tread depth checks and, if any cracking is present, immediate replacement are essential to maintain grip and legal compliance. The minor rear‑exhaust leak noted in 2024 and 2025 should be examined for soot deposits, audible hissing, and any increase in exhaust noise; a cracked rear pipe or deteriorated gasket can be remedied relatively cheaply but should not be ignored as it may affect emissions and fuel efficiency. Beyond the recurring items, a thorough age‑related inspection is prudent. Verify the condition of the 12‑volt battery, checking terminal corrosion and performing a load test, as batteries left idle for long periods can lose capacity. Inspect the front brake discs for surface rust or glazing, and ensure the calipers move freely without sticking, especially after the vehicle has been stationary for extended periods. Examine all fluid levels – coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – and consider a change if the service book shows no recent top‑up, since fluids degrade with time even without high mileage. Finally, confirm that the lighting system, particularly the stop lamps that previously failed, operates correctly, and look for any signs of chassis rust, especially around wheel arches and the under‑body, which can be more prevalent on low‑usage cars that spend time parked.