2016 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · WIG 113

The most recent DVSA MOT recorded on 9 March 2026 resulted in a failure, with a serious headlamp fault, a non‑functioning off‑side rear seat‑belt buckle, excessive parking‑brake lever movement and an insecure exhaust system, all of which are classified as principal failures. Earlier in the same test a minor lighting defect was noted, but the presence of multiple safety‑critical failures marks a clear deterioration from the earlier years, when the car only attracted advisory items such as brake‑disc wear, wheel distortion and slight suspension ball‑joint play. The pattern therefore indicates a worsening maintenance trend, with recent failures suggesting that key safety components have not been addressed promptly. The recorded 63,464 miles on a 2016 model equates to roughly 6,300 miles per year, which is well below the UK average of about 10‑12 000 miles annually. This low annual usage points to relatively light duty, but it also raises the possibility of extended periods of inactivity, which can accelerate age‑related degradation of rubber and metal components. The mileage itself does not suggest excessive wear on consumables, yet the combination of age and intermittent use means that parts such as suspension bushings, brake discs and tyres may have suffered from calendar‑related deterioration rather than mileage‑driven wear. When you inspect the vehicle, pay particular attention to the front suspension ball joints on both the off‑side track rod end and the near‑side lower arm; the advisories about slight play can develop into clunking noises, uneven tyre wear or steering wander, especially when cornering or travelling over bumps. The central exhaust leak noted in several tests may manifest as a faint ticking or a faint exhaust smell in the cabin; a visual inspection for rusted or cracked sections and a test‑drive listening for increased engine noise will help confirm its severity. The brake discs have been flagged as worn on both axles, so verify disc thickness with a micrometer and feel for any pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes; replacement of discs and pads may be imminent. The near‑side front wheel distortion could cause vibration at higher speeds, so spin the wheel off‑vehicle to check for wobble and ensure the tyre sidewalls are free from cracks or bulges. Given the vehicle’s age, also examine items that are not reflected in the MOT record but are prone to time‑related failure. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or loss of tread even if the tread depth appears adequate, as ageing can render tyres unsafe regardless of mileage. Test the 12 V battery voltage and look for signs of corrosion on the terminals, especially if the car has spent long periods idle. Check the parking‑brake mechanism for proper adjustment and binding, and verify that all seat‑belt retractors lock and release smoothly. Finally, confirm that the service history includes regular oil, coolant and brake‑fluid changes at the manufacturer’s intervals; fluid colour and condition can reveal whether the car has been maintained on a calendar basis despite its modest mileage.