2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · ST65 GFJ

This 2015 Ford Fiesta presents a generally clean MOT history with no recorded failures across five consecutive tests, culminating in an unblemished pass on 22 July 2026. The defining mechanical narrative, however, is one of creeping wear in the steering and braking systems, evidenced by advisories issued in 2024 and 2025. Specifically, the 2024 test recorded play in the offside front steering rack inner joint, while the 2025 test noted wear, pitting, or scoring on the front brake disc. Both items were permitted to pass without restriction, but together they signal that the front axle consumables are entering a phase where replacement is increasingly likely. The transition from no advisories in 2022 and 2023 to two consecutive years of front-end flags, followed by a clean test in 2026, suggests either recent remedial work was undertaken or that the wear items have not yet progressed to failure thresholds. With 90,503 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, the Fiesta has accumulated roughly 8,228 miles annually, a figure that sits comfortably within the typical range for a vehicle of this age and class. The testing record shows consistent annual MOT submissions without any notable gaps in roadworthiness certification, indicating continuous use rather than extended periods off the road. At this mileage, the mechanical focus shifts towards wear-related items rather than age-related deterioration, with braking components, suspension bushes, and steering linkages becoming the primary areas of attention. The fact that the annual mileage has been steady rather than sporadic or unusually high reduces the likelihood of stressed drivetrain components, though it does mean that consumable wear is cumulative and ongoing. For a prospective buyer, the steering rack inner joint advisory from 2024 warrants particular scrutiny on a test drive. Any clonking or knocking from the front end when traversing speed bumps, potholes, or during full-lock manoeuvres at low speed would suggest the inner joint wear has progressed. Likewise, vagueness or a noticeable delay in steering response, or a slight wandering sensation at motorway speeds, could indicate that the rack is beginning to develop further internal play. Given the Fiesta's known susceptibility to steering rack wear in higher-mileage examples, a physical check under the bonnet with the engine off rocking the steering from side to side should reveal any undue free movement before committing to purchase. The front brake disc advisory from 2025 also demands direct inspection. Pitting and scoring on the disc surface can manifest as a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal under firm application, or as a tendency for the front wheels to generate brake dust more rapidly than expected. During a test drive, the car should be brought up to speed and the brakes applied firmly several times to feel for pedal judder or vibration through the steering wheel. Additionally, with the vehicle raised or by inspection through the wheel, the inner and outer disc faces should be examined for a pronounced lip at the outer edge, which would confirm further wear. Given the pattern of advisories concentrating on the front axle, it would be prudent to budget for imminent replacement of the front brake discs and pads, and to have the steering rack inspected by a specialist to determine whether the inner joint requires renewal or if the system remains within acceptable tolerance.