2013 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · SL13 TKO

The vehicle currently holds roadworthiness following a clean pass in October 2025 at 99,115 miles. However, the maintenance trend shows a concerning decline in structural integrity and brake system care prior to that result. The September 2025 failure just three miles prior highlighted revealed significant structural corrosion on the rear sills and suspension component mounting areas. While the vehicle passed the subsequent test, the presence of these structural defects indicates the chassis is reaching a stage where rust may require close monitoring. At 99,115 miles over 13 years, the Fiesta averages approximately 7,600 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for a car of this age. The record shows consistent use, with roughly 6,400 miles covered between the October 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 3,600 miles covered by late 2025. This regularity suggests the car has not sat stationary for long periods, which generally prevents brake seizing but accelerates corrosion on the lower chassis. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the rear sills and suspension mounting points to ensure the structural corrosion noted in 2025 has been properly treated rather than merely masked. The tester previously flagged corroded brake pipes covered in grease, which is a common tactic to hide surface rust from an inspector. You should verify the front brake lines for weeping leaks and check that the track rod ends, which showed play in 2024, have been replaced. The fluctuating rear service brake noted in 2024 also suggests warped discs or a sticking caliper, which warrants attention during a test drive to ensure consistent braking performance.