2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · RB07 RUB

The most recent MOT, carried out on 26 November 2025, was passed with no recorded defects, continuing a sequence of clean tests since June 2023. The only non‑passive entry in the history is the 28 May 2022 advisory noting thin front and rear brake pads and a rear disc that was worn, pitted or scored but not seriously weakened. The absence of any further advisories in the four subsequent tests suggests that the brake wear was addressed promptly and that the vehicle’s overall maintenance trajectory is now stable. At eight years old the Fiesta has logged 38 773 miles, which works out to an average of roughly 4 800 miles per annum – considerably below the typical UK usage pattern of 8 000‑10 000 miles per year. Such low annual mileage often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be benign but may also conceal issues such as battery discharge, tyre ageing and corrosion that arise from inactivity rather than wear. There are no evident spikes in mileage that would indicate a period of intensive use, so the wear on drivetrain components is likely to be modest relative to the vehicle’s age. When inspecting the braking system, verify that the pads have been replaced since the 2022 advisory; look for even pad thickness and a smooth, non‑grooved disc surface. On a test drive the brake pedal should feel firm with no sponginess, and there should be no judder, squeal or grinding when the brakes are applied, especially from higher speeds. Any lingering vibration or a pulsating pedal may indicate that the rear disc was resurfaced rather than replaced, which could shorten the interval to the next disc change. It is also prudent to check the condition of the brake fluid – it should be clear and free of moisture, and a fluid change is advisable at least every two years regardless of mileage. Given the vehicle’s age and low utilisation, pay particular attention to tyre sidewall integrity; even with low tread wear, rubber can perish after six to ten years, so examine the sidewalls for cracks, dry rot or bulges and confirm that the tread depth meets the legal minimum. The 12‑volt battery should be tested for cranking amperage, as prolonged storage can lead to sulfation and reduced capacity. Inspect the suspension bushes, ball joints and shock absorbers for any signs of dry‑rot, cracking or excessive play, and look for any rust on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and underbody, which can be more prevalent on cars that sit idle. Finally, confirm that routine services such as oil, coolant and filter changes have been performed at the recommended intervals, and that the service book bears the appropriate stamps, to ensure that time‑based fluid degradation has been managed appropriately.