2020 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · MW20 LWN

The 2020 Ford Fiesta passed its most recent MOT on 6 May 2026 at 17,856 miles, but the outcome reveals a worsening maintenance trend that demands closer scrutiny. That test flagged four separate tyre defects, with both front tyres worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge, while the rear pair showed cracking and perishing. A clean pass in April 2024 at 9,535 miles makes this sudden deterioration in rubber components over the following two years notable. The pattern suggests either a period of neglected basic upkeep or prolonged stationary storage causing age-related tyre degradation. The mileage profile is unusual and warrants careful interpretation. Between the May 2023 test at 9,029 miles and the April 2024 test at 9,535 miles, the car covered just 506 miles in nearly twelve months. Yet from April 2024 to May 2026, it accumulated 8,321 miles in roughly two years, averaging over 4,000 miles annually during that window. This is a significant shift from the sub-1,000-mile annual use seen earlier. The low overall mileage of 17,856 over six years is well below typical use, meaning long periods of standing are likely. Stationary vehicles frequently suffer from perished tyres, seized brakes, and dried-out suspension bushes, all of which align with the defects now appearing on record. A buyer should treat the tyre condition as a proxy for broader neglect. Edge wear on the front tyres points to possible tracking misalignment or worn suspension bushes, not simply low mileage use. Cracking on the rear tyres, described as age-related in 2025, indicates the rubber has sat under load or in varying temperatures without adequate rotation. Before purchase, have a garage inspect the front suspension for worn ball joints, drop links, and anti-roll bar bushes, and check the rear calipers for binding, as infrequent use commonly causes stickiness. Examine the underside for surface corrosion on brake lines, subframe mounting points, and exhaust hangers, all of which deteriorate faster on vehicles that stand for extended periods. The windscreen wipers smearing in 2025 and items removed from the driver's view prior to test hint at a last-minute scramble to pass rather than consistent servicing. This Fiesta is mechanically sound on paper, but the MOT trajectory suggests deferred rather than diligent care, and a thorough independent inspection is strongly advised.