2016 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · SC66 BWN

The defining mechanical theme across this Fiesta's MOT record is tyre-related safety rather than any deeper structural or powertrain concern. The 2023-10-28 test resulted in a Dangerous failure on both front tyres due to exposed ply or cords, accompanied by advisories flagging edge wear on the nearside and offside fronts, indicating that the previous set had been run beyond serviceable condition. Subsequent tests from November 2023 onwards returned clean passes with no tyre advisories, and the most recent assessment on 2026-03-25 recorded no defects at all, suggesting the tyres have since been replaced and that the underlying issue was isolated rather than symptomatic of chronic suspension misalignment. The only other recorded advisory, a lightly binding offside front service brake noted in October 2024, points to a minor caliper or slider friction issue that was not severe enough to warrant failure and has not recurred, giving the overall impression of a vehicle that is currently maintaining roadworthy standards but with a small footprint of brake and tyre history worth monitoring. Mileage accumulation on this 2016 Fiesta averages around 6,151 miles per year over its ten-year life, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a small petrol hatchback of this generation and age. There are no extended gaps between tests or sharp mileage jumps that would indicate long periods off the road followed by sudden recommissioning, and the intervals between tests correspond to sensible usage patterns of a few thousand miles between annual checks. At 61,506 recorded miles the engine, manual gearbox, and clutch will have seen moderate but not excessive use, so the usual age-related consumables such as timing chain stretch (less relevant here as this generation predominantly uses a timing belt), water pump, and auxiliary drive components are likely approaching but not necessarily past their replacement thresholds. The steady, average-mileage profile means there is no particular reason to suspect seized brakes, perished fuel system components, or stale fluids purely from standing time, and the mechanical condition should broadly track the wear one would expect from a regularly driven supermini. For a prospective buyer, the most worthwhile inspection focus is the offside front brake assembly, given the binding advisory from late 2024. On a test drive, listen for any dragging sensation when releasing the accelerator or a slight pull to the left under light braking, both of which can indicate a caliper slider that has stiffened further since the advisory was issued. The binding was assessed as not excessive at the time, so it is worth checking that the wheel spins freely by hand when cold and that there is no excessive heat radiating from the hub after a short drive. Equally, the tyre wear pattern from the 2023 failure merits attention: although the tyres have clearly been replaced since then, edge wear on both fronts can indicate geometry issues such as worn front wishbone bushes, droplinks, or slight camber misalignment. On the road, feel for any vagueness through the steering around the straight-ahead position, wandering at speed, or a slight tramline effect over undulations, any of which would suggest the suspension geometry is now outside specification. Beyond those specific items, the general mechanical condition at 61,506 miles warrants a standard set of checks appropriate to a ten-year-old Fiesta. Inspect the underbody for any surface corrosion on the rear axle, subframe, and brake pipes, as these are common corrosion points on earlier Fiestas of this vintage. Listen for any clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and rough tarmac, paying particular attention to the anti-roll bar drop links and lower wishbone bushes, which are known wear items. Verify that the steering remains tight with no excess play at the wheel rim, and check for any coolant weepage from the radiator or thermostat housing, as these plastic components harden with age. A final confirmation that the most recent tyres are a matched set on the same axle and that the spare or repair kit is present and serviceable will close the loop on the one area of historical concern in this otherwise steady MOT record.