2015 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · SY15 TYW

The 2015 Ford Fiesta presents a mechanical profile defined by a persistent pattern of recurring advisories and occasional failures rather than sustained reliability. The most recent MOT conducted on 2026-03-30 resulted in a passing result, yet this came alongside multiple minor advisories including a minor central exhaust gas leak, worn front suspension components, and an inoperable rear registration lamp. This outcome sits atop a history spanning seven years since the first MOT in March 2021, during which the vehicle experienced at least three separate failures—including a full failure in early 2024 and another in mid-2023—and numerous passings marked by single-item warnings such as worn tyres, suspension ball joint play, and defective wiper blades. The latest test therefore reflects a car that remains technically roadworthy on paper but carries a documented history of intermittent mechanical concerns that require careful verification before purchase. Regarding mileage, the vehicle has accumulated 131,563 miles across its 11-year ownership period, yielding an average annual consumption of approximately 11,960 miles per year—a figure broadly consistent with typical usage patterns for its age. The testing schedule reveals some irregularity, notably the back-to-back MOT appointments in March 2024 where both a functional test and a failed test were recorded within a two-week window, suggesting ongoing underlying issues rather than temporary anomalies. While the current mileage level is not unusually high for a vehicle of this vintage, the concentration of advisories across different systems (suspension, lighting, and tyres) indicates that cumulative wear has occurred despite the moderate yearly accumulation rate. The clustering of failures between 2023 and 2024 further suggests that while the engine and drivetrain have held up reasonably well, other subsystems have required attention at critical junctures of the ownership timeline. For a prospective buyer, the suspension system warrants particular scrutiny given the repeated advisories concerning near-side front lower suspension arm ball joints, which were flagged in late 2025 and again in the March 2026 MOT. During a test drive, pay close attention to whether the front suspension exhibits any noticeable knocks or uneven handling when traversing bumps, particularly on camber changes where worn ball joints often manifest as subtle binding or play. The lighting assembly also requires immediate attention: the 2024 MOT identified a severe misalignment with the nearside front headlamp aiming too high, which could compromise forward visibility and increase the likelihood of front-end impact in low-visibility conditions. Additionally, the 2023 failure involving non-functional stop lamps represents a serious safety concern that should be confirmed as fully resolved prior to acquisition, ideally through a practical road test to ensure all indicator lamps illuminate correctly under normal operation. The tyre situation reflects the cumulative effect of the repeated tyre-related advisories, with multiple MOT reports noting damage, cracking, or perishing across all four wheels. Given the reported instances of tyre deterioration, inspect the tread depth and sidewall condition thoroughly, paying special attention to edges where the damage may have originated. A visual inspection combined with a gentle press on each tyre will reveal if the cracks extend beyond cosmetic damage into structural weakness. On the braking and electrical systems, verify that the front brake discs and pads are undamaged and that the cooling jacket shows no signs of leakage, especially in conjunction with the noted central exhaust leak from the 2026 MOT. Finally, confirm the functionality of all exterior lights—including indicators, turn signals, and the previously failed stop lamps—to ensure complete illumination compliance and safe night-time driving capability.