2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · SN66 OCC

The most recent DVSA examination on 2 September 2025 resulted in a pass, though three advisories were issued which warrant close attention. The front brake pads were recorded as wearing thin, the front brake discs were noted as worn, pitted or scored on their inner surfaces, and the nearside front shock absorber was flagged for a light misting of oil. When assessed against the preceding three MOTs, a clear pattern emerges: the front brake disc surface degradation has been a recurring advisory since at least 2023, the nearside front shock absorber oil misting has likewise appeared across the last three tests, and a fractured offside front coil spring was the cause of a fail in September 2022. This trajectory suggests a vehicle whose consumable wear is progressing broadly as expected for its age and mileage, but with a cluster of front axle and braking components that have been gradually deteriorating rather than being fully rectified. There is no evidence of structural corrosion or major failure repetition following the 2022 coil spring replacement, which is reassuring, but the front suspension and braking package should be considered a priority area for attention prior to purchase. The recorded mileage of 61,950 miles over a ten-year life equates to an annual average of approximately 6,195 miles, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a small petrol hatchback of this vintage. The MOT history shows tests conducted at broadly annual intervals from 2019 onwards, with mileages accumulating steadily between examinations and no evidence of significant gaps that would suggest prolonged periods of standing. This consistent, moderate use pattern is mechanically favourable, as it tends to keep seals, brake components and drivetrain elements active and reduces the likelihood of seized calipers, perished rubber, or stale fluids associated with low-mileage or stored vehicles. However, the relatively modest annual mileage means calendar-based deterioration of age-sensitive items such as the 12V battery, brake fluid, coolant, and tyre sidewalls should still be evaluated independently of the odometer reading. Given the recurrence of front brake disc pitting across multiple tests, a prospective buyer should carry out a thorough on-road assessment of the braking system. Symptoms to listen and feel for include any vibration or shudder through the steering wheel or brake pedal under firm application, which would suggest the discs have worn beyond their service limit and require replacement rather than just a pad swap. The front pads were also flagged as wearing thin at the most recent test, so budget should be reserved for replacement discs and pads as a combined refurbishment, ideally with genuine or reputable aftermarket components. When inspecting the vehicle, the discs should be checked for a pronounced lip at the perimeter, visible scoring across the friction surface, and any unevenness in the hub run-out, as pitted discs that have been left to deteriorate will often have heat-spotted glazing that reduces efficiency in wet conditions. A firm stop from around 40 mph should produce a straight, stable pull-up without pulling to either side. The persistent advisory on the nearside front shock absorber warrants particular attention during any test drive, and the fractured offside front coil spring from 2022 confirms that the front suspension has already required a major intervention. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and when cornering, as these are characteristic of worn top mounts, bottom bushes, or a shock absorber that has progressed beyond light misting into active hydraulic leakage. A visual inspection with the wheel turned should reveal any fluid seepage down the damper body, and the spring should be checked for any signs of corrosion pitting or cracking, particularly on the lower coils where fractures typically initiate. Beyond the recorded defects, a ten-year-old Fiesta should be physically inspected for tyre sidewall perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, brake fluid replacement history (typically every two years regardless of mileage), coolant condition, and the state of the auxiliary battery, which on a vehicle of this age commonly fails without warning. Verifying a complete main dealer or specialist service history with stamps covering brake fluid, coolant, spark plugs and the timing belt or chain service interval will provide valuable confirmation that the mechanical upkeep has matched the MOT record.