2013 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · TH06 MEH

The 2013 Ford Fiesta carries a MOT record marked by a persistent pattern of advisories rather than outright failures, with the most recent test on 2025-11-26 returning a clean pass despite several recurring issues documented across the previous four years. Recurring problems centre on the front lower suspension arm ball joints which showed slight play starting in late 2021, while rear tyres were repeatedly flagged as worn close to legal limits or damaged in 2021 through 2023, and both front and offside brake pads accumulated wear including one instance where front inner pads measured below 1.5mm thickness. The 2024-11-11 test noted corroded nearside rear coil spring and minor discolouration on direction indicators, yet the November 2025 result confirms the vehicle currently meets the MOT standard, suggesting the earlier faults have either been resolved or remain within acceptable advisory thresholds. With 114,938 recorded miles on a thirteen-year-old model, the average annual consumption works out to approximately 8,841 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage patterns for a vehicle of this age though it sits at the upper end of normal for such a period. The test coverage shows two consecutive passes in 2022 and 2023 followed by a single failure in 2021, creating a short interval where the vehicle remained compliant before the brake pad thinning issue surfaced, and another six-month gap between the 2023 pass and the subsequent 2024 advisory round. This irregular spacing combined with the high cumulative mileage suggests that consumable components such as brake pads, tyres, and possibly suspension bushings have undergone significant wear, even if the vehicle has not required immediate replacement of major drivetrain elements. Focus attention on the front lower suspension arm ball joints, which have exhibited play since late 2021 and warrants verification during a test drive by observing whether the steering exhibits any lateral play or pulling sensation when turning at low speeds, particularly on rough pavement where suspension deflection is most pronounced. The front inner brake pads were reported in 2021 as being less than 1.5mm thick and remain a critical safety item to inspect visually and by feeling for pedal vibration or pulsation during acceleration, especially noting that any residual scoring or glazing on the disc surface could indicate ongoing pad wear. Additionally, the rear tyres have been logged as worn on edge multiple times with associated cracking, so a visual inspection of tread depth and sidewall condition at each corner is essential to confirm they still meet legal minimums. Given the vehicle's age and the presence of corroded nearside rear coil springs noted in 2024-11-11, a thorough undercarriage examination is advisable to rule out structural rust affecting the suspension mounting points and subframe integrity, as rust can compromise load-bearing capacity over time. During the test drive, pay particular attention to the steering response when navigating tight corners or on uneven surfaces to detect any binding or excessive play that might indicate further progression of the previously diagnosed suspension issues. Finally, while the 2025 pass indicates current compliance, the advisory nature of the earlier failures means that hidden deterioration in brake line integrity or subframe bolts should be confirmed by a qualified independent inspection before committing to purchase.