2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · OV65 KAE

The most recent DVSA examination on 24 July 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a prior failed attempt on the same date where dangerous and major tyre defects were recorded. The offside front tyre was classified as dangerous due to exposed ply or cords, and the nearside front inner tyre had a cut deep enough to reach the internal structure, both of which would have required immediate replacement before a pass could be issued. Three advisories also accompanied both entries: an offside rear coil spring showing corrosion, a nearside rear inner tyre worn close to the legal limit, and an offside rear tyre with damage, cracking, or perishing. Looking at the broader trend, the vehicle has now passed four consecutive tests, but a clear pattern of recurring advisories is evident across the 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026 examinations, predominantly affecting tyres, brake components, and the rear suspension. The two failures within the recorded history, both tyre and brake related, indicate that while the car remains fundamentally roadworthy, the owner has allowed certain consumables to deteriorate beyond serviceable limits on at least two occasions, suggesting a maintenance pattern that trends towards reactive rather than preventative upkeep. The recorded mileage of 62,374 miles across an 11-year lifecycle equates to approximately 5,670 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and suggests either limited daily use or extended periods of standing. This kind of low annual mileage is consistent with a second car, a short-commuter vehicle, or one that has experienced significant periods of inactivity. Mechanically, such low usage carries its own concerns, particularly with regard to corrosion on braking components, deterioration of rubber and elastomer items through age rather than wear, and potential issues with oil seals, fuel system components, and the 12-volt battery. The fact that mileage has not progressed significantly between tests in certain periods supports the likelihood of extended standing periods, which compounds the risk of brake disc corrosion, caliper seizure, and premature ageing of flexible components. The advisories recorded over the past five years paint a consistent picture of attention required to the rear suspension and the vehicle's tyres. The offside rear coil spring has now been flagged for corrosion on two consecutive tests, which is a progressive concern; corroded springs can weaken and eventually fracture, leading to a sudden change in ride height, a clonking noise over bumps, or visible sagging at the affected corner. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or rattling from the rear suspension, particularly over uneven surfaces, and visually inspect for any height discrepancy between the two rear corners. The nearside front brake discs were flagged as worn, pitted, or scored in 2021, and although they passed the subsequent tests, pitted discs tend to worsen with age and can contribute to brake shudder under heavy application, increased stopping distances, and accelerated pad wear. Given the five-year gap since that advisory, the discs are now likely to require replacement, and a close inspection of pad material thickness and disc runout should be undertaken. The tyre-related advisories are particularly telling and recur across virtually every test, suggesting a pattern of either under-inflation, poor wheel alignment, or simply the natural ageing of rubber that has been on the vehicle for prolonged periods. The 2022 advisories noted that both front tyres were both worn on the edge and severely perished, and the recurring nearside rear perishing noted in 2023, 2025, and 2026 indicates that sidewall cracking is ongoing. For a prospective buyer, the tyres should be inspected for sidewall cracking, tread depth across the full width rather than just the central grooves, and any uneven wear patterns that might point to tracking or suspension geometry issues. Beyond the recorded defects, the low annual mileage and the vehicle's age warrant a thorough inspection of items that deteriorate with calendar age regardless of distance covered, including the condition and charge state of the 12-volt battery, the brake fluid which typically requires renewal every two years regardless of mileage due to its hygroscopic nature, the coolant strength and age, the condition of all drive belts and the timing chain if applicable, and the operation of all brake calipers which may have begun to bind from extended standing. A thorough test drive should include multiple firm brake applications from moderate speed to check for shudder, pulling to one side, or any grinding sensation, as well as a careful listen for any suspension noise over speed humps and rough road surfaces.