2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MP65 LUD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 21 August 2026, was passed but returned a number of advisories covering front brake disc condition, front tyre wear and a corroded rear coil spring. Over the last six years the vehicle has shown a mixed pattern: a clean pass in 2020, a series of minor advisories in 2021‑2023, a failure in 2024 due to excessively worn rear upper suspension arm bushes on both sides, and a return to passing status in 2025 and 2026 albeit with advisory items. The failure in 2024 indicates a point where wear on the rear suspension became critical, but the subsequent passes suggest that the major issues were addressed and the car has remained largely compliant, though it continues to accrue wear on brakes, tyres and rear suspension components. At 43 557 miles recorded in 2026 the Fiesta averages roughly 4 350 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical UK usage of 7‑10 000 miles annually for a vehicle of this age. The low mileage points to relatively light use, possibly involving long periods of standing. Light use reduces cumulative wear on engine and drivetrain parts, but it can allow corrosion to develop on suspension bushings, springs and brake components, and it can accelerate tyre perishing as rubber degrades with age rather than mileage. There are no large mileage spikes that would suggest a period of intensive use, so the primary concerns are age‑related rather than high‑stress wear. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the rear suspension and tyre condition. The rear upper arm pins or bushes were flagged as excessively worn in the 2024 failure; although they appear to have been replaced, the buyer should verify the work by checking for any play when pushing on the rear corners and listening for clunking noises over bumps. The corroded rear coil spring noted in 2026 may indicate early corrosion of the spring or its mounting points; a visual inspection for rust, broken coils or uneven spring height is advisable. The front brake discs are described as worn, pitted or scored but not yet weakened – this typically manifests as a slight pulsation or squeal under heavy braking and will likely require resurfacing or replacement within the next 5‑10 000 miles. The front tyres are close to the legal tread limit and show edge cracking, while the rear tyre was recorded as slightly damaged and perishing; these symptoms often produce reduced grip, especially in wet conditions, and may lead to tyre failure if the sidewall or tread is compromised. A thorough tyre inspection for cracks, bulges, uneven wear and correct pressure, followed by a tread depth measurement, is essential. Given the vehicle’s age and low mileage, the buyer should also inspect items that deteriorate with time rather than use. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and verify that it holds charge, especially if the car has spent long periods idle. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and signs of contamination, as fluids can degrade even when the car is not driven heavily. Look for corrosion on the underside of the chassis, particularly around the rear suspension mounting points and exhaust system, and ensure that the headlamp adjuster and other lighting components are correctly aligned and free of moisture. Confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and any recommended time‑based services, as these will give confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with the manufacturer’s schedule despite its modest mileage.