2015 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · SC65 YLS

The most recent DVSA examination on 6 January 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, which is a positive indicator and suggests the vehicle was in a sound mechanical state at the time of test. The overall maintenance trend across the recorded history appears broadly stable rather than deteriorating, as the vehicle has passed every test since 2020 with only minor advisories being logged in the interim years. It is worth noting, however, that a previous test in September 2021 was failed outright on three items, namely both headlamp aim readings being too high and an illuminated or inoperative engine management indicator lamp, although the headlamp issue was attributed to the internal adjuster having been altered. The subsequent clean test in January 2022, following the failed attempt, demonstrated that these matters were rectified. The 2025 advisory regarding an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on the edge is the most recent wear-related concern, and the absence of any repeat advisory in 2026 implies this was addressed by replacement prior to the latest examination. With 89,663 miles recorded over an 11 year life, this Fiesta has covered approximately 8,151 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age in the UK and points to steady rather than arduous use. The MOT intervals show tests conducted at roughly twelve to fifteen month intervals with broadly consistent annual mileage, indicating the car has been in regular service rather than left standing for prolonged periods. There are no significant gaps or sudden spikes in the recorded odometer readings that would suggest clock irregularities or unusual usage patterns, lending credibility to the mileage figure. At this annual average, mechanical wear on consumable items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components is likely to be proportionate to the mileage covered rather than accelerated, though several advisories over the years do hint at front-end wear that warrants close attention. For a prospective buyer, the recurring front tyre edge wear advisories appearing in 2020, 2022, and 2025 should be treated as a pattern rather than isolated events. Edge wear on front tyres, particularly on a Fiesta which is a front-wheel-drive hatchback, is frequently indicative of suspension geometry issues such as worn wishbone bushes, droplink failure, or a fatigued top mount, and it can also point to incorrect tracking settings or worn shock absorbers allowing the tyre to run at an angle under load. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for vague or wandering steering response, vibration through the steering wheel, or uneven grip during cornering. A physical inspection should include checking the sidewalls of the current tyres for uneven feathering, examining the condition of the front strut assemblies, and confirming that a four-wheel alignment has been carried out within the recent past. The 2022 advisory concerning a corroded and holed rear silencer is also worth verifying by physical examination, as exhaust systems on a vehicle of this age frequently suffer from corrosion at the rear joint and mounting brackets, and replacement is a relatively straightforward but necessary maintenance item. Beyond the items noted in the MOT history, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants a number of age-related inspections that would not necessarily appear on an MOT test. The 12 volt battery should be load tested, as original equipment units often fail between seven and ten years of age, particularly in a vehicle used for shorter journeys. Brake discs, although they passed the 2020 advisory relating to surface pitting, may now be approaching the end of their service life and should be measured for remaining thickness, with the caliper slide pins examined for corrosion and seizure which is a common issue on Fiestas that have seen regular but not harsh use. The cooling system, including the radiator, thermostat housing, and water pump, should be inspected for leaks, and the coolant itself checked for the correct concentration as long-life coolant degrades over time. The timing chain on the 1.0 EcoBoost variant should be assessed for any tell-tale rattle on cold start, and the clutch and dual mass flywheel, if applicable, evaluated for slip or judder. Finally, verify the service book stamps to confirm that oil and filter changes have been conducted at manufacturer-recommended intervals, and inspect the underside for any fresh corrosion on subframes and suspension arms, as road salt exposure over eleven winters will inevitably have taken its toll on structural integrity.