2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · VH16 ROO

This 2016 Ford Fiesta has demonstrated a mixed but generally stable roadworthiness trend over its MOT history, though recent tests reveal persistent and avoidable issues. The most recent inspection on 18 August 2025 confirmed a pass but highlighted a recurring tyre fault on the nearside front—damage or perishing—alongside a worn front brake disc, neither of which were critical failures. The previous year’s tests on 8 August 2024 were notable for a duplicate entry (one pass, one fail) due to non-compliant registration plates, yet the same tyre and rear coil spring corrosion issues persisted, suggesting either neglect or repeated oversight. The 2023 test at 30,505 miles introduced a pattern of edge wear on both front tyres, a sign of potential alignment or underinflation issues that were not addressed. While no major structural or safety-critical failures have escalated, the vehicle’s history indicates a lack of proactive maintenance, particularly around consumables and minor but recurring defects. The recorded mileage of 36,783 miles at the latest test suggests unusually light usage for a vehicle of this age, averaging just 3,678 miles annually. This low mileage could imply prolonged periods of inactivity, which may accelerate certain forms of degradation—such as tyre degradation, suspension corrosion, or battery deterioration—even if mechanical wear remains minimal. The gap between tests is consistent at one year, but the absence of mileage between 2022 and 2023 (a jump from 27,404 to 30,505) suggests either an error in recording or a period of minimal driving. Such low mileage does not inherently negate the need for thorough inspection, as standing vehicles are prone to tyre dry-rotting, suspension bush deterioration, and corrosion in critical areas like the subframe or wheel arches. A prospective buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the front tyres, particularly the nearside, to confirm the extent of perishing or damage beyond the MOT’s cursory assessment. The rear suspension’s corroded offside coil spring from 2024 warrants closer examination, as rust penetration could compromise ride quality and handling. Brake discs and calipers should be checked for uneven wear or binding, especially given the 2025 front disc warning. Structural integrity is another concern; while no advisories mention rust through, the vehicle’s age and low mileage history increase the risk of hidden corrosion in wheel arches, sills, or the subframe. Finally, the registration plate failure in 2024 indicates either a lack of attention to legal compliance or potential tampering—verifying the vehicle’s history and ensuring all documentation is up to date is essential.