2017 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · RG07 MAC

The 2017 Ford Fiesta’s latest MOT test on 2026-05-27 was clean, marking a consistent performance across the past five years with no recorded defects or failures. The vehicle’s maintenance history remains stable, showing no deterioration in structural integrity, emissions compliance, or core roadworthiness systems—such as brakes, lights, or steering—since 2021. The absence of repeated failures or advisories beyond the noted minor and advisory items from 2021 suggests proactive maintenance, though the advisories from that year warrant closer attention to prevent escalation. The COVID-19 MOT extension in 2020 indicates a brief period without testing, but this does not impact current roadworthiness. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 72,467 miles at the time of assessment aligns with a typical annual usage rate of around 8,052 miles, which is reasonable for a nine-year-old Fiesta. The mileage distribution over the past nine years does not reveal any extreme wear patterns or rapid accumulation, though the absence of service records or odometer verification means the actual usage profile could differ. Lower mileage could imply periods of inactivity, potentially leading to issues like standing corrosion on brake components, caliper binding, or fluid degradation in sealed systems. Conversely, higher-than-expected mileage would accelerate wear on suspension bushings, tyre tread, and drivetrain components, necessitating closer inspection of these areas. Given the clean MOT history since 2021 and the vehicle’s age, the buyer should conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the advisories from 2021, particularly the front service brake grabbing and flexi exhaust deterioration. The brake grabbing advisories suggest potential issues with binding calipers, warped discs, or contaminated brake fluid, which could lead to uneven wear or failure if ignored. Symptoms to watch for during a test drive include a spongy or uneven pedal feel, pulsations in the brake pedal, or a grinding noise when braking. The front exhaust flexi deterioration may indicate fatigue cracks or delamination, which could compromise structural integrity and emissions performance; listen for unusual exhaust noises or check for exhaust leaks around the flexi joints. Additionally, verify the vehicle’s alignment and tyre condition, as uneven braking can accelerate tyre wear and contribute to the observed grabbing. For practical checks beyond the MOT, the buyer should inspect the vehicle’s tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking, which can occur even at moderate mileage due to age-related rubber degradation. Check the 12V battery terminals for corrosion and ensure the battery holds a charge, as older vehicles are more prone to electrical issues from prolonged inactivity. Inspect the brake discs for corrosion, pitting, or binding, particularly on the offside front where the 2021 advisory was noted, and verify that the calipers move freely without resistance. Fluid levels should be checked—particularly the brake fluid, which can degrade over time even if not used—along with the condition of the coolant, oil, and differential fluid, as these components are subject to calendar-based degradation rather than mileage alone. Finally, confirm the presence of service book stamps for the last scheduled maintenance, such as the suspension and timing belt service, which are critical for long-term reliability in this vehicle’s age group.