2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · SC64 SWX

The most recent MOT, dated 9 September 2025, was passed but carried four advisories covering the off‑side front shock absorber oil mist, a front brake disc that is worn, pitted or scored, thin front inner brake linings and play in the off‑side front steering‑rack inner joint. The pattern over the last four years shows a consistent presence of the shock‑absorber oil mist advisory each year, a new front brake disc advisory appearing in 2025, and a developing steering‑rack joint play noted only in the latest test. Apart from the isolated tyre failure that caused a failure in September 2022, the vehicle has not accumulated any hard failures, indicating a generally stable maintenance record but with a few emerging wear items that are beginning to progress. At 31 674 miles the Fiesta averages just under 2 900 miles per annum, which is markedly below the typical UK usage of around 7‑10 000 miles per year for a vehicle of this age. The low mileage suggests the car has spent considerable periods stationary, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in terms of rubber ageing, fluid degradation and corrosion of suspension bushings. There are no large mileage gaps evident in the MOT records, so the low annual run‑off is likely genuine rather than a result of odometer tampering. The modest mileage reduces the immediate wear on engine and transmission components, but the standing‑time effects must be examined closely. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering. The off‑side front shock absorber showing light oil mist is a sign of seal wear; while still within legal limits, it usually precedes a loss of damping efficiency and may later cause uneven tyre wear or a noticeable reduction in ride comfort. A test‑drive should include a gentle bump over a speed‑bump or curb on the off‑side front to feel for excessive bounce or clunking, and a quick left‑hand steer to detect any looseness in the rack joint. The front brake disc’s pitted surface and the thinning inner brake linings mean the braking system is approaching the end of its service life; the driver may notice a slight pulsation or increased pedal travel under hard braking, and the discs should be measured for thickness and resurfaced or replaced within the next 5 000‑10 000 miles. The rear sub‑frame bush wear, although not yet causing excessive movement, can develop into a noisy clunk when negotiating bumps; a visual inspection of the rear sub‑frame mounts for cracked or deteriorated rubber is advisable. Given the vehicle’s age of eleven years, even with low mileage, time‑related degradation should be inspected. Tyre sidewalls must be checked for cracking, dry rot or hardening, especially if the tyres have not been rotated regularly. The 12‑volt battery may have reduced cranking power after prolonged storage, so a load test is recommended. Examine the engine bay for any signs of fluid leaks, particularly around the shock absorber seals and the steering rack, and verify that the coolant, brake and gearbox fluids have been changed within the last 24 months, as calendar ageing can cause loss of lubricity. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes and that any previous suspension or steering work has been recorded, as documented maintenance will give confidence that the emerging wear items have been monitored and are likely to be addressed before they become safety concerns.