2018 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Petrol · SL68 RBF

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 March 2026 resulted in a pass, indicating the vehicle was considered roadworthy at the time of test, although it is notable that a failure was also recorded on the same date immediately prior to the pass. This pattern of a failure followed by a pass on the identical day typically reflects minor or rectifiable items being corrected by the presenting garage before re-test, rather than a deeply entrenched mechanical issue. Stepping back to consider the broader trajectory, the 2024 pass was clean, the 2025 cycle followed the same fail-then-pass pattern within a single day, and the 2026 cycle repeated it once more. Because no specific defect categories or advisories are recorded against any of these tests, the official record on its own does not identify any recurring component failure; however, the consistency of the pattern suggests the vehicle may be maintained on a borderline basis where items are only addressed as and when an MOT demands it. For a prospective buyer, this warrants treating the car as one whose upkeep may be reactive rather than preventative. Against an age of approximately eight years, the recorded mileage of 52,835 miles equates to an annual average of around 6,604 miles, which is broadly typical for a small hatchback of this vintage and does not raise immediate red flags from a wear perspective. There is no significant gap in the MOT history to suggest extended periods of standing, nor is there evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that would point to motorway mileage or fleet-style high-duty use. This moderate, average usage profile means that consumable wear on items such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and clutches should fall within expected parameters, but it also means the car has been used regularly enough to avoid the worst effects of calendar-based degradation on rubber, seals, and brake components. A consistent annual mileage of this order generally supports a stable mechanical condition provided servicing has been kept up to date. Given the clean defect record, the buyer cannot rely on advisories to guide the inspection, and attention must instead turn to age and mileage-related deterioration that an MOT will not necessarily flag. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as eight-year-old rubber can lose elasticity and grip regardless of tread depth, and the production date code on each tyre should be checked. Brake discs, particularly on a Fiesta of this age, are prone to corrosion and lipping from light use, while the caliper slide pins and guide bushes can seize, so a test drive should include several firm stops from moderate speed to check for shudder, pulling, or binding. The exhaust system, including the rear silencer and mounting rubbers, should be inspected for rust perforation, and the underbody should be examined for corrosion, particularly around the suspension turrets, subframe, and jacking points, which are known MOT failure areas on older Fiestas. Finally, calendar-based servicing should be verified independently of the mileage, as oil, coolant, brake fluid, and the 12V battery all degrade with time. The service book should be examined for annual or two-yearly stamps confirming oil and filter changes, and brake fluid should ideally have been renewed within the last two years irrespective of mileage to prevent internal corrosion within the ABS modulator and brake lines. The battery is now eight years old, and although it may still function, its capacity is almost certainly diminished; a load test or straightforward replacement is sensible preventative maintenance. On the test drive, listen for any clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or coil springs, all common Fiesta wear items. Verify operation of the cooling fan, the air conditioning clutch engagement, and ensure there are no warning lights present on the dashboard, as the absence of recorded defects makes a thorough physical walkaround and road test all the more essential before purchase.