2014 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · MW14 XAL

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a clear progression of suspension-related component degradation. The most recent test in December 2025 at 68,681 miles identified a damaged engine mounting and slight wear on both rear axle swivel pins and bushes. This follows a consistent pattern of rear axle issues, including the 2024 failure where both rear bushes were noted as split. While the car continues to pass, the transition from split bushes to damaged engine mounts indicates active mechanical wear. At twelve years of age, the recorded 68,681 miles represent a low annual average of approximately 5,700 miles. The usage pattern appears steady and consistent, with roughly 6,000 to 8,000 miles covered between each annual MOT interval since late 2022. This low mileage suggests the vehicle has not been subjected to heavy long-distance motorway strain, though low-mileage cars of this age can sometimes suffer from accelerated drying of rubber components and seals regardless of the distance travelled. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the rear suspension and shock absorbers. The record shows a persistent history of oil misting on the rear shock absorbers dating back to 2022, which has not been resolved in subsequent tests. Furthermore, the recurring faults regarding the rear sub-frame and axle bushes suggest that the rubber components are reaching the end of their service life. The front brake discs should also be checked for thickness, as they were already flagged as worn in December 2022 and likely require replacement given the time elapsed since then.