2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MP65 BWM

The most recent MOT, dated 27 May 2026, resulted in a failure because the off‑side stop lamp was not operational, and it was accompanied by advisories concerning near‑side front and rear tyres that are close to the legal tread limit and a front brake disc that is pitted and scored. Earlier in the same day a pass was recorded with the same advisories, indicating the vehicle would have passed if the lamp fault had been rectified. Compared with the preceding years, the trend has moved from a series of clean passes (2020‑2022) to a serious rear coil‑spring fracture in 2022 and now a lighting fault plus wear‑related advisories, suggesting a recent decline in maintenance attention rather than a steady improvement. At ten years old the Fiesta has logged only 39 034 miles, averaging just under 4 000 miles per annum. Such low utilisation often points to prolonged periods of inactivity or very gentle use, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of component ageing. The limited run‑time means wear items such as tyres, brake pads and discs may have deteriorated more from calendar ageing than from use, while the battery, rubber seals and suspension bushings are prone to drying out, cracking or losing elasticity when the car sits for extended periods. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the rear suspension on the near‑side, confirming that the fractured coil spring identified in 2022 has been replaced with an OEM‑spec component and that the mounting points and surrounding bushings show no signs of corrosion or excessive play. During a test drive listen for any clunk or thump when the rear wheels are loaded, especially over bumps, and check that the ride height is even. The tyre advisories mean the front‑left and rear‑left tyres will need replacement imminently; inspect the tread depth across the whole tyre face and look for sidewall cracking, which would indicate ageing. While driving, monitor the front brakes for any pulsation, shudder or increased pedal effort that could be caused by the pitted disc, and be prepared to have the discs resurfaced or fitted anew if the condition worsens. Verify that all external lighting, particularly the off‑side stop lamp, functions correctly and that the indicator units are operational, as electrical faults are often symptomatic of corroded connectors in older vehicles. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, it is prudent to check the health of the 12 V battery (voltage and cranking performance) and confirm that the electrolyte levels are adequate if it is a conventional lead‑acid unit. Examine the under‑body for rust, especially around the wheel arches, sills and rear suspension mounting points, and ensure that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are topped up and have been changed in line with the manufacturer's time‑based service intervals. A full service history, or at least evidence of recent oil and filter changes, will give confidence that the engine internals have been cared for despite the vehicle’s modest mileage.