2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · WD16 MLF

A remarkably clean MOT record defines the mechanical standing of this 2016 Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 20 January 2026 returning a pass with no advisories or defects recorded, continuing a pattern of straightforward roadworthiness outcomes stretching back through its documented history. While the file shows two prior failed tests, both dated 2025-01-24 and 2023-12-21, neither entry carries any recorded defects, which strongly suggests the failures were administrative in nature, such as expired insurance or missing documentation at the time of test, rather than mechanical non-conformity. The immediate subsequent retests on those same dates passed without advisories, reinforcing that the underlying vehicle condition has remained compliant with DVSA standards throughout the recording period. No structural corrosion, suspension wear, braking concerns, or exhaust issues have ever been flagged, which is a positive indicator for a ten-year-old Fiesta that one might reasonably expect to be showing at least minor advisories by now. At 48,560 miles over a ten-year span, this Fiesta has averaged roughly 4,856 miles annually, a notably low figure for a popular supermini that typically sees significantly higher usage in private or commuter hands. Such restrained accumulation can reflect genuine light-duty driving, but low annual mileage on a vehicle of this age also warrants attention to items that deteriorate through age rather than use. The MOT history contains a gap between December 2023 and January 2025, which may correspond to a period off the road or simply reflects the testing schedule, but it is worth confirming continuity of use or storage conditions during that interval. With low mileage, the mechanical wear on clutches, brake friction material, and drivetrain components should be modest, but age-related degradation of rubber, plastics, and seals remains a consideration regardless of how few miles have been covered. Given the entirely clean advisory record, there are no specific flagged components to interrogate during a test drive, which means a buyer should focus on the general condition of the areas most prone to wear on a Fiesta of this generation. The rear drum or disc brake setup, depending on variant, should be checked for binding calipers or uneven friction material wear, particularly if the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary where corrosion can seize mechanisms. The suspension, including front wishbone bushes, anti-roll bar links, and rear axle bushes, is a known wear area on the Fiesta platform, so listen for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces and feel for any vagueness or rattling through the steering wheel. Steering pull, uneven tyre wear, or knocking from the front under braking could indicate perished bushes or worn drop links that have not yet reached advisory severity but may be close. A thorough pre-purchase inspection should also include a road test covering varying speeds and surfaces to detect any drivetrain irregularities, transmission crunch on gearchange, or clutch slip under load, all of which could remain hidden during a stationary examination. Inspect the underside for any signs of oil misting from the engine or gearbox, as age-related seal hardening is common even on low-mileage examples. Verify that all warning systems, lights, and electronic features function correctly, and check the service book for evidence of annual oil and filter changes despite the low mileage, since infrequent use with irregular servicing can be more damaging than high mileage with consistent maintenance. Finally, confirm the tyre DOT date stamps show recent manufacture and even wear across all four corners, as tyres older than six years can harden and lose grip regardless of remaining tread depth, and a ten-year-old car standing on its original rubber would warrant immediate replacement.