2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · SB65 ENU

The most recent DVSA test on 25 August 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which represents the most favourable outcome in the available history. However, evaluating the broader trend requires looking at the preceding tests, which reveal a pattern of recurring and escalating front suspension concerns. The vehicle failed on 1 July 2025 due to an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, with the front brake discs also flagged as worn and pitted. A further failure occurred on 25 June 2024 for a nearside front suspension arm ball joint defect, and advisories dating back to 2022 have consistently noted wear in the rear axle swivel pins and bushes on both sides, along with slight steering rack free play and play in the offside front steering arm inner joint. While the absence of recorded defects on the latest pass is encouraging, the persistent nature of these advisories over multiple years suggests that the underlying wear issues have been managed reactively rather than resolved, and a prospective buyer should not interpret the clean 2026 result as evidence that all mechanical concerns have been fully rectified. The recorded mileage of 77,154 miles over approximately eleven years equates to an annual average of around 7,014 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no significant unexplained gaps in the recorded mileages, indicating consistent usage rather than long periods of standing. This moderate usage profile is generally favourable, suggesting regular exercise of mechanical components such as brakes, clutches, and seals, which helps prevent issues like brake disc corrosion from inactivity and fluid degradation through lack of use. The mileage is sufficient to expect normal wear on consumables including tyres, brake pads, and discs, but not so high as to indicate extreme mechanical fatigue on major drivetrain components. Given the recurring advisories relating to the rear axle swivel pins and bushes, which have been flagged on every test since 2022, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the rear suspension during any inspection. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear axle area when traversing uneven road surfaces or speed bumps, and check for uneven rear tyre wear, particularly on the inner edges, which can indicate worn bushes allowing excess movement. The steering rack free play advisory from 2023 and the offside front steering arm inner joint play noted in 2022 warrant careful evaluation of steering precision; any vagueness, knocking from the front end, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle should be investigated. Although the 2025 advisories for worn and pitted front brake discs were not carried forward to the 2026 test, brake disc surface condition deteriorates with continued use, so a thorough inspection of the front brakes for lipping, shudder under braking, or reduced efficiency remains essential. Beyond the documented advisories, the age and mileage profile of this Fiesta merit several routine checks that are prudent for any eleven-year-old vehicle. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall cracking and perishing, which can occur regardless of tread depth, and the spare wheel or inflation kit should be verified for condition and pressure. The 12V battery health should be assessed, as units of this age commonly struggle to hold charge, particularly if the vehicle has seen periods of infrequent use. Brake calipers may show signs of seizing or binding, especially if the car has stood for extended periods, leading to uneven pad wear or dragging. Fluid services, including brake fluid (typically due every two years due to its hygroscopic nature), coolant, and manual transmission or clutch hydraulic fluid where applicable, should be confirmed by service documentation, as calendar-based degradation affects fluid performance irrespective of mileage. Finally, verifying a complete service history with documented stamps will provide assurance that routine maintenance has been consistently performed, complementing the MOT history in assessing overall condition.