2015 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · SY65 ORC

The vehicle currently holds a valid MOT status following its April 2026 test at 112,000 miles, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The most recent pass came only after a failed test just two days prior, where multiple critical items — including worn axle swivel pins, a major exhaust leak, and distorted front wheel — were flagged. The fact that the same wheel distortion and axle wear appeared in both the failed and passed tests suggests these issues were either not fully resolved or are persistent structural weaknesses. The pattern indicates a lack of consistent repair discipline, with recurring suspension and exhaust faults pointing to deferred maintenance rather than a resolved condition. Mileage progression shows a steady climb over the last three years, with 112,000 miles recorded in April 2026 after 103,868 miles in February 2025 — roughly 8,000 miles in 14 months, or about 5,700 miles per year. This is below the average for its age, suggesting moderate usage, but the recent cluster of failures in March and April 2026 reveals a sharp deterioration in mechanical condition over a very short period. The gap between the 2025 pass and the 2026 failures is only 14 months, yet the number of critical faults has increased significantly, indicating either neglect or a rapid decline in component integrity. Buyers should inspect the rear suspension system closely, particularly the swivel pins and bushes on both sides, as these have been repeatedly flagged since 2025 and remain unresolved. The exhaust system requires urgent attention — a major leak was recorded in March 2026 and again in April 2026, suggesting either a persistent fault or a temporary fix. The front wheel distortion noted in both tests implies potential alignment or structural damage that should be verified. Corrosion on the sub-frame and suspension components, already present in 2025, may have worsened and could compromise structural integrity if left unchecked. Additionally, the tyre condition — with nearside front tyres worn to the legal limit and rear tyres showing cracking — indicates a pattern of deferred tyre replacement. The tyre pressure monitoring system failure in March 2026 adds to the list of unresolved electrical or sensor issues. While the vehicle passed its most recent test, the underlying mechanical and structural concerns suggest it is operating on the edge of roadworthiness and may require immediate, targeted repairs to maintain safety and compliance. A buyer should not assume the pass certificate guarantees long-term reliability — the history reveals a vehicle that has been allowed to deteriorate under the radar of routine maintenance.