2020 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · RO70 VTM

The most recent DVSA examination on 27 May 2026 resulted in a Pass, which is the outcome you would want to see when considering a purchase. However, the run-up to that pass is worth examining carefully, as the vehicle failed its initial attempt just five days earlier on 22 May 2026 due to a nearside rear tyre with a cut deep enough to expose the ply or cords. This is a Major category defect and reflects a genuine safety concern, as a compromised tyre carcass can lead to sudden deflation under load. The follow-up test five days later passed, but an advisory was again raised for the same nearside rear tyre, indicating a cut that was not quite deep enough to fail but was still present. Taken together with the 2026 nearside front tyre perishing advisory, this suggests a pattern of tyre neglect or ageing rubber rather than isolated impact damage, and any prospective buyer should treat the current set of tyres as a near-term replacement cost. The recorded mileage of 49,335 miles over approximately six years equates to an average annual use of around 8,222 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a Ford Fiesta of this age and indicates steady, regular use rather than long periods of standing or unusually high motorway mileage. There are no significant gaps between MOT entries that would suggest extended storage, and the mileage progression from 2023 through 2026 is consistent, giving confidence in the recorded odometer readings. This kind of steady usage is generally favourable for a vehicle of this type, as regular driving keeps seals, brakes, and battery in better condition than prolonged inactivity would. Despite the largely clean MOT history, the tyre-related advisories are the only recurring theme across the available data, and they point towards an owner who may have been running the original or aged rubber close to or beyond its safe service life. On inspection, all four tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking, perishing, and cuts, paying particular attention to the nearside pair. A fingernail run along the sidewall will often reveal fine ozone cracks on older rubber even when the tread depth appears acceptable. Check the production date on the sidewall DOT stamp, and if any tyre is approaching six years of age, factor in replacement. On a test drive, listen for any thumping or vibration that could indicate a distorted or damaged tyre, and verify that the tracking is correct by observing whether the vehicle pulls to one side under steady acceleration on a straight road. Beyond the tyres, the MOT history does not flag any brake, suspension, or corrosion advisories, but a six-year-old Fiesta with average mileage still warrants a hands-on inspection of age-related items. The 12V battery is a common failure point on vehicles of this age, so ask for evidence of recent replacement or have it load-tested. Brake discs, particularly at the rear, can develop corrosion lips from standing or infrequent heavy braking, so examine the disc edges for sharp ridges. Inspect the coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission oil for evidence of recent servicing, as these are time-based rather than mileage-based items. Check the underside and wheel arches for any surface corrosion, particularly around the suspension arms and subframe mounting points, and ensure the coil springs and suspension bushes are free from cracking or splitting. Finally, verify a full service history with stamps at the correct intervals, as consistent maintenance is the best indicator of long-term mechanical health on a Fiesta approaching the upper end of its typical service life.