2010 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · SL10 XDS

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as it reaches higher mileage. While the most recent test in November 2025 at 150,572 miles resulted in a pass, it followed a failure just one week prior at 150,522 miles. The recent history shows a recurring pattern of neglected consumables and mounting mechanical issues. Specifically, the tester flagged a binding offside front service brake and an inoperative registration plate lamp in both the November 2025 failure and subsequent pass. The presence of corroded sub-frames and Macpherson struts, first noted in the November 2024 test at 145,046 miles, suggests that structural degradation is an ongoing concern for this vehicle. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a typical usage pattern for a 16-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,400 miles per year. The records show steady progression from 84,553 miles in April 2016 to 150,572 miles in November 2025. There are no significant gaps in the testing intervals that would suggest long periods of inactivity, though the frequency of failures in the later years indicates that maintenance has become reactive rather than preventative. The jump from 120,490 miles in May 2019 to 130,453 miles in November 2020 shows a standard annual usage rate, but the complexity of defects during that period suggests a period of heavier wear or deferred servicing. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity and braking system. The MOT history shows persistent issues with corrosion on the front sub-frame and Macpherson struts, which requires careful examination to ensure the metal is not significantly weakened beyond the advisory stage. The braking system has a long history of faults, including binding calipers, pitted discs, and corroded brake pipes dating back to 2017. Given the recurring reports of binding brakes and noisy wheel bearings, a physical test of the braking performance and a check of the hydraulic lines is essential. Suspension and tyre maintenance also require scrutiny. The record shows frequent advisories for worn or damaged tyres and issues with suspension components, such as fractured coil springs in November 2025 and worn axle bushes in 2017 and 2018. The tendency for the previous owners to allow tyres to reach legal limits or run under-inflated suggests that basic upkeep may have been overlooked. Inspecting the condition of all suspension bushes, coil springs, and the underside for advanced corrosion should be a primary focus before purchase.