2018 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · MM67 CPX

The most recent MOT, dated 29 October 2025, was passed but carried an advisory that the nearside front outer tyre is close to the legal tread limit and shows edge wear. This follows a failure on 20 October 2025 for excessive exhaust emissions and a washer‑fluid deficiency, and earlier serious failures in 2022 for a dangerous exhaust smoke output and faulty rear fog lamp and windscreen wipers. While the vehicle has generally cleared MOTs in the past, the pattern over the last three years shows a deterioration in emissions compliance and ancillary systems, indicating a maintenance trend that is currently worsening rather than stabilising. With 78,932 miles recorded on a 2018 model, the average annual mileage works out at roughly 9,900 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a car of this age. There are no obvious large mileage gaps in the history that would suggest prolonged periods of storage, but the relatively moderate annual run‑off means that wear on consumables such as tyres, brakes and suspension components will be driven more by age‑related degradation than by high‑mileage fatigue. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre condition – the nearside front tyre is already near the legal limit and the offside rear tyre was noted as cracked in 2021. Inspect both sidewalls for dry rot, bulges or delamination, and verify that the tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm on all four wheels; replacement is advisable before the next test. The 2025 emissions failure points to a likely problem with the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors or fuel‑trim circuitry, so a diagnostic scan for fault codes and a functional exhaust smoke test are recommended. Listen for any unusual exhaust notes, note any loss of power or increased fuel consumption, and ensure that the exhaust system is free of leaks or excessive rust. The fog lamp and both windscreen wipers that failed in 2022 should be checked for proper operation, and the washer pump should be verified to deliver adequate fluid under pressure. Beyond the recorded defects, an eight‑year‑old Fiesta should be examined for age‑related issues: check the 12 V battery for cranking voltage and any signs of sulfation, especially if the car has spent long periods idle. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear and verify that the calipers move freely without binding. Examine suspension bushes, ball joints and coil springs for any looseness, clunking or uneven tyre wear that could indicate worn bushings. Finally, confirm that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – have been refreshed in accordance with the manufacturer’s calendar intervals, as fluid degradation can occur even on relatively low‑mileage vehicles.