2018 Ford Fiesta 1.1L Petrol · SP68 RBY

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2018 Ford Fiesta was conducted on 13 May 2025 and resulted in a pass, with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. Looking at the broader history, the Fiesta has demonstrated a generally stable maintenance pattern, achieving passes in 2023, 2024, and 2025. It is worth noting, however, that a fail was recorded immediately before each of the two most recent passes, specifically on 3 May 2023 and 9 May 2024. While the DVSA records do not detail the reasons for those failures, this pattern of repeated fail-then-pass events suggests that the vehicle may have been presented for test with minor issues that required rectification between attempts. For a prospective buyer, it would be prudent to obtain documentation confirming what remedial work was carried out on each occasion, to ensure those defects have been properly resolved and are not symptomatic of ongoing neglect. With a recorded mileage of 56,126 miles over approximately eight years, this Fiesta averages around 7,000 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical usage band for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no obvious extended gaps in the recorded mileages that would suggest long periods of inactivity, nor is there evidence of unusually rapid accumulation that might indicate heavy motorway commuting or fleet-style use. At this annual rate, wear on major mechanical components such as the clutch, brake friction material, and suspension bushes should be moderate and proportionate to the years and miles covered, though some consumable replacement should be expected given the vehicle's age. Although the MOT history is free from recorded advisories, the relative sparsity of the dataset and the absence of specific defect notes mean that a prospective buyer should not rely on the digital record alone. Given that the car is now eight years old, particular attention should be given to age-related deterioration rather than purely mileage-related wear. Tyres should be inspected closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of tread depth, and the spare or inflation kit should be checked for serviceability. The 12-volt battery is also a likely candidate for imminent replacement on a vehicle of this vintage, and it would be sensible to have its resting voltage and state of health tested. Similarly, brake discs that have been subjected to periods of light use may exhibit surface corrosion or, conversely, the calipers may show signs of binding following infrequent operation, both of which can manifest as juddering or pulling under braking on a test drive. Beyond these specific items, a thorough pre-purchase inspection should include verification of the service book stamps to confirm that oil and filter changes have been carried out at appropriate intervals, and that the timing belt or chain replacement schedule has been observed in line with Ford's recommendations. Brake fluid, coolant, and gearbox or clutch fluid are all subject to calendar-based degradation and should be checked for condition and replacement date, as moisture absorption over time reduces their effectiveness irrespective of mileage. On a road test, listen for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn bushes, top mounts, or coil springs, and pay attention to steering precision, as any vagueness or knocking from the front end could point to worn track rod ends or anti-roll bar drop links. Finally, inspect the underbody and wheel arches for any surface corrosion, as the Fiesta is generally robust in this regard but is not immune to rust in vulnerable areas such as the sills, rear axle, and suspension mounting points after eight years of British winter exposure.