2015 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · SC65 VMG

The most recent MOT test for this 2015 Ford Fiesta, conducted on 2024-12-11, resulted in a clean pass with no recorded defects, marking a continuation of a stable maintenance trend. Despite the vehicle’s age, the absence of failures or advisories in the past five years suggests effective upkeep, though the single 2021 MOT failure—where the near-side rear coil spring was deemed fractured—indicates a critical structural component that should not have been overlooked. This prior failure, however, does not appear to have been rectified or re-tested, leaving the buyer with a potential long-term risk if the vehicle has since been driven with an unstable suspension. The pattern of consistent passes since 2020 implies either proactive servicing or that the spring failure was either addressed privately or the vehicle was not driven post-failure, which would be highly unusual for a roadworthy vehicle. The recorded mileage of 64,980 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 11 years represents a notably low annual usage rate of around 5,907 miles per year, which is significantly below the average for its age. Lower mileage often correlates with reduced wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and fluids, but it also raises concerns about prolonged periods of static operation, particularly in the suspension and drivetrain. Standing vehicles can lead to corrosion in brake components, such as discs and calipers, where moisture and road salt accumulate, causing rust or binding. Additionally, the lack of recent mileage accumulation may mean that the vehicle has not undergone the normal wear-and-tear associated with regular use, which could mask underlying issues that would become apparent under heavier loads or dynamic conditions. Given the clean MOT history since 2020 and the low mileage, the buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection to address both age-related and usage-specific risks. Start with the suspension system, focusing on the near-side rear coil spring, as the 2021 failure suggests a history of instability. Visually inspect the spring for signs of further degradation or displacement, and listen for unusual clunking or rattling when the vehicle is driven, particularly over bumps or when cornering. The brake system should be checked for corrosion on discs and calipers, especially near the near-side rear, where standing corrosion is most likely to occur. Inspect the brake fluid reservoir for contamination or low levels, as standing brake fluid can degrade over time, leading to reduced braking performance. For tyres, despite the low mileage, examine the sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking, which can weaken the structure and lead to sudden failure. Check the tread depth uniformly across all tyres, ensuring they meet the minimum legal requirement of 1.6mm. The battery should be tested for voltage and overall health, as prolonged inactivity can cause internal corrosion or reduced capacity. Finally, verify that all fluids—oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid—are topped up and free from contamination. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive service history check is advisable, particularly for the timing belt and suspension components, as these are critical for long-term reliability. If the buyer is concerned about the coil spring failure, they may wish to arrange a private inspection or test drive to assess the vehicle’s handling dynamics, as an unstable spring can lead to uneven tyre wear, poor steering response, or excessive vibration.