2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · RY65 LCV

The most recent MOT on 27 May 2026 was passed, but it carried a series of advisories covering the front brake discs and pads, corrosion on both rear coil springs, and wear on the near‑side rear axle swivel pins and bushes. Over the last six years the pattern shows a steady accumulation of wear‑related advisories, with the only outright failure occurring in 2022 for a faulty stop lamp. The trend is therefore not improving; it is stable in the sense that the vehicle remains road‑worthy, yet the recurring nature of the brake, suspension and tyre items indicates progressive component ageing that will soon require corrective work. At 55,892 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 5 600 mi per annum, which is well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi expected for a ten‑year‑old family hatchback. The low mileage suggests the car has spent considerable time idle or on short journeys, a usage pattern that can be kinder to engine and transmission wear but harsher on components that suffer from lack of motion, such as brake discs, suspension bushings and tyre sidewalls. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would point to a period of heavy abuse, but the modest annual distance also raises the possibility of corrosion and perishing in parts that have been stationary for extended periods. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the braking system. The front discs have been flagged as pitted and the pads are thin; measure disc thickness against the manufacturer’s minimum and feel for any pulsation or shudder under hard braking, which would indicate rotor distortion or uneven wear. A visual check for scoring, rust spots or uneven pad wear is essential, and be prepared for a near‑term replacement of both discs and pads. The rear coil springs show corrosion on both sides, a condition that can weaken spring integrity and lead to uneven ride height or squeaks; probe the springs for cracks and ensure the rear suspension arms move freely without excessive play, especially around the swivel pins and bushes that have already shown slight wear. Any clunking or binding when the car is bounced or steered at low speed should be investigated further. Tyre health is another priority. The off‑side front tyre is close to the legal tread limit, has a cut, and the off‑side rear wheel is slightly distorted, while the near‑side rear tyre shows signs of perishing. Examine all four tyres for sidewall cracking, bulges or dry rot, and verify that the wheels are true by rolling the car and feeling for vibration. Because the car has likely spent periods standing, inspect the battery terminals for corrosion, test the charge holding capacity, and confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and engine oil have been changed at appropriate intervals rather than simply being topped up. A thorough visual check of the under‑body for rust, especially around the rear suspension mounting points, will help confirm that the low‑mileage usage has not concealed hidden deterioration. Addressing the brake and tyre items promptly will restore confidence in the car’s stopping performance and road‑holding characteristics.