2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · NG65 FPJ

The 2016 Ford Fiesta most recently passed its MOT on 27 January 2026, with the only items recorded being two advisories concerning corrosion on both rear coil springs. The day prior, the vehicle did fail on a major defect relating to a nearside front suspension arm ball joint exhibiting excessive wear, but this was presumably rectified before the subsequent pass. Looking at the broader pattern, the earlier 2024 test produced two majors on the rear axle swivel pins and bushes alongside advisories for thinning front brake pads and a rear shock absorber with reduced damping effect. While the 2025 pass was entirely clean and the 2026 pass likewise produced no failure items, the recurrence of suspension and underbody concerns across multiple test cycles suggests that the maintenance trend, though currently stable, sits on a watch footing rather than one of consistent improvement. A prospective buyer should not view the most recent pass in isolation but should weigh it against the cumulative picture of wear developing on both front and rear suspension components. The recorded mileage of 56,469 miles over a ten-year service life equates to an annual average of approximately 5,600 miles, which is considerably below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age and class. This relatively low usage rate implies that the Fiesta has likely seen extended periods of standing or only short, infrequent journeys, which carries its own mechanical implications. Low-mileage or irregularly used vehicles are particularly susceptible to time-related degradation rather than purely wear-related deterioration, with components such as brake discs prone to corrosion, calipers liable to seize through lack of use, and rubber components including tyres, bushes, and drive belts susceptible to perishing through age rather than use. The MOT history shows broadly consistent annual testing with no obvious long absences, suggesting the vehicle has been kept in regular road use even if the distances covered have been modest. Given the recurring advisories on suspension components, particular attention should be paid during a physical inspection and test drive. The nearside front suspension ball joint which resulted in the January 2026 major failure is a critical safety item, and any evidence of a quality repair with documented parts and labour should be obtained, as premature re-failure or inadequate rectification would be a serious concern. On a test drive, listen carefully for any clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and potholes, as well as any vagueness or wandering from the steering which could indicate worn or perished bushes, track rod ends, or anti-roll bar drop links. The advisories on both rear coil springs showing corrosion should prompt a thorough visual examination of the springs for any signs of fracture or advanced surface pitting, as corroded springs on a torsion-beam rear axle can ultimately fail without warning. The rear axle swivel pins and bushes previously flagged as excessively worn, together with the rear shock absorber noted as having reduced damping effect, should similarly be checked, with the test drive including a series of moderate-speed cornering manoeuvres and emergency stops to verify that the rear axle remains stable and well controlled. Beyond the items specifically highlighted by the MOT history, the age and mileage profile of this Fiesta dictates a broader programme of physical checks. All four tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking and perishing caused by age rather than simply tread depth, as ten-year-old tyres can suffer structural deterioration well before they reach the legal tread limit, and any tyres bearing an earlier production date code should be replaced regardless of remaining tread. The braking system should be examined for seized or binding calipers, evidenced by uneven pad wear, localised disc corrosion, or a tendency for the vehicle to pull under braking. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries of this age frequently fail without warning, particularly if the vehicle has been used for predominantly short journeys. Fluid services including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the manual transmission or automated manual gearbox oil where applicable should be verified against the manufacturer's schedule, with brake fluid in particular requiring periodic replacement due to its hygroscopic nature. Finally, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, oil or coolant leaks, and exhaust integrity is strongly advised given the documented spring corrosion and the general vulnerability of this generation of Fiesta to underbody deterioration.