2013 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ML13 FNG

A 2013 Ford Fiesta with five recorded MOT tests since 2021 has passed three of them outright and accumulated a recurring cluster of body, lighting and tyre-related defects that warrant close attention. The most recent test on 23 July 2026 passed, but carried five advisories including a subframe corrosion note, two separate advisories concerning damage and edge wear on the offside front tyre, a damaged offside front seat belt buckle, and side repeater concerns that have featured repeatedly across multiple tests. The failure on 10 July 2025 was driven by simple operational items, a non-functioning washer system and an inoperative nearside side repeater, both of which were rectified before the retest the same day. An earlier failure on 3 May 2023 involved a non-working nearside stop lamp alongside the same nearside side repeater insecurity that recurred in 2025. Across the five tests there have been two failures, eleven advisories, and a recurring theme of deteriorated registration plates, damaged wing mirror components, and indicator faults, indicating a vehicle whose cosmetic and minor electrical items have needed attention throughout its recent testing history. Recorded mileage of 52,655 miles over thirteen years equates to roughly 4,050 miles per annum, which is substantially below the typical annual accumulation for a vehicle of this age and segment. The MOT entries show mileage progression from 38,718 in April 2021, to 41,884 in May 2022, 44,749 in May 2023, 47,190 in July 2024, 50,013 in July 2025, and 52,655 in July 2026. The increments between tests are consistent and modest, ranging between 2,500 and 3,000 miles per year, confirming a pattern of low, steady usage rather than any sudden increases or extended lay-ups. Mechanically, lower annual mileage of this nature can reduce wear of high-cycle components such as brake discs and clutch material, but can also bring forward age-related deterioration in rubber seals, bushes, coil springs, and underbody components, which is consistent with the subframe corrosion advisory now appearing on the record. The subframe corrosion advisory recorded at the 2026 test is the most significant structural item on the file and should be inspected in person. The examiner classified it as corrosion not significantly reducing structural rigidity at present, meaning the component is surface-corroded rather than perforated or weakened. A prospective buyer should jack the vehicle and examine the front subframe and its mounting points directly, looking for any flaking, scaling, or through-section loss, particularly around box sections and mounting brackets where mud and moisture collect. It is advisable to photograph any suspect areas and have them independently assessed, as subframe corrosion can progress quickly once initiated and may become a failure item at a subsequent test. The front suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and coil springs should also be examined for surface rust and perishing of bushes, as age-related deterioration in these components is typical on a low-mileage Fiesta of this vintage. The front tyres warrant close physical inspection given three advisories specifically concerning the offside front item in 2026, covering edge wear, sidewall damage, and cracking, alongside earlier advisories for cracking on both front tyres in 2024. Edge wear on a front tyre frequently points to suspension geometry issues such as worn wishbone bushes, weak springs, or tracking misalignment, so the nearside and offside front tyres should be measured for remaining tread depth and checked across the full width for uneven wear patterns. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or pulling in the steering that could indicate worn tie bar ends or drop links. The recurring seat belt buckle damage on the offside front is also worth checking by physically latching and unlatching the buckle several times to ensure positive engagement, and all lighting including side repeaters, stop lamps, and the windscreen washer system should be verified as functional before purchase, as these have each featured as test failures or advisories within the last three years.