2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MM66 BWH

The 2016 Ford Fiesta is currently presented with a valid MOT certificate issued on 18 February 2026, having passed with four advisories recorded against the rear suspension, rear coil springs, and rear tyres. Looking at the broader testing history, the maintenance trend is mixed but revealing: a clean pass in September 2023 was preceded by a dangerous failure earlier the same day for severely worn offside front brake pads and an inoperative offside stop lamp, and an earlier test in August 2024 recorded a major failure due to an excessively worn nearside front suspension arm ball joint, with the subsequent pass retaining the rear suspension and coil spring advisories. The recurrence of rear suspension arm bush wear across three consecutive tests in 2024 and 2026 indicates a persistent deterioration rather than a remedied issue, and the progressive nature of these advisories, combined with the past front suspension ball joint wear and the dangerous brake failure, suggests the vehicle has received reactive rather than proactive maintenance on its undercarriage and braking components. A prospective buyer should not regard the current pass as confirmation of sound mechanical condition but rather as a snapshot taken with known wear items still in service. Against the ten-year age of the vehicle, the recorded mileage of 63,233 miles equates to an average of approximately 6,323 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a Fiesta of this generation and consistent with predominantly urban or commuter usage. The mileage progression between tests appears steady rather than erratic, with no large gaps or sudden accumulations that would suggest long periods of standing followed by heavy use, nor any signs of clocked or inconsistent readings. Average mileage of this nature generally yields moderate wear on consumables such as brake discs, clutches, and tyres, but the higher-mileage advisories are concentrated on the rear suspension and braking components rather than on age-related degradation such as exhaust corrosion, coolant system failure, or significant engine wear. This usage profile is consistent with the defect pattern observed, where mechanical components subject to repeated load cycling under normal driving are showing typical end-of-service-life wear. The most pressing concern in the history is the persistent advisories on the rear suspension arm pins or bushes and the rear coil springs, all of which have been flagged on multiple occasions since August 2024. These rear suspension arm bushes are likely the trailing arm bushes commonly worn on this model, and while they have not yet resulted in excessive movement sufficient to fail the test, they are clearly progressing. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or when loading the car heavily, and should feel for any vagueness or instability in the rear end during cornering. The rear coil spring corrosion advisories are particularly relevant for a ten-year-old vehicle exposed to winter road salt, and while surface corrosion on springs is common, severe pitting or flaking can lead to spring fracture, which may cause a sudden drop in ride height or a metallic noise over bumps. Given the recurring nature of these advisories, a budget for replacement rear axle bushes and possibly rear coil springs should be anticipated as imminent maintenance, and a physical inspection on a ramp or over a pit to assess bushing play and spring integrity is highly advisable before purchase. The tyre-related advisory from the most recent test, noting slight damage, cracking, or perishing on both rear tyres, is consistent with the earlier 2020 advisories on the same wheels for cracking and perishing, indicating a recurring pattern of sidewall deterioration despite replacement. For a ten-year-old vehicle, even tyres with adequate tread depth should be closely inspected for sidewall cracking, ozone damage, and perishing, particularly on the rear axle where the advisory remains active, and replacement with fresh tyres should be considered regardless of remaining tread. The 2020 advisories also recorded a damaged offside wing mirror surround, which remains a cosmetic concern rather than a mechanical one. Beyond the documented history, age-appropriate checks should include verification of recent brake fluid and coolant changes in line with calendar-based servicing intervals, inspection of the twelve-volt battery for hold-down security and terminal condition, examination of the front brake discs for lipping or corrosion given the documented pad wear, and a thorough check of the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points, joints, and silencer. A test drive should include multiple firm brake applications from moderate pace to confirm straight-line stopping without pulling or shuddering, and any sign of brake binding or uneven pad transfer should prompt immediate inspection of the calipers, particularly on a vehicle that may have seen extended standing periods between uses.