2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · WM18 MWJ

The most recent MOT on 2 July 2026 was passed, with the only recorded advisory being that the off‑side front tyre is worn close to the legal limit and shows edge wear. Over the preceding five years the car has consistently passed its annual test, but each year an advisory has been noted – ranging from tyre wear and side‑wall damage to an oil leak, thin rear brake pads and a non‑functioning nearside headlamp. The pattern shows a generally stable maintenance record with no outright failures, yet there is a clear trend of progressive wear on the front tyres and a recurring need to address consumables and minor faults, indicating that the vehicle is being kept road‑worthy but is approaching the point where routine components will require replacement. At 68 812 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 8 600 miles per year, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope for a vehicle of its age. There are no obvious spikes in mileage that would suggest periods of heavy short‑term use, nor are there large gaps that would imply prolonged storage. The moderate annual mileage means that major drivetrain components such as the gearbox and engine are unlikely to have suffered accelerated wear, but the cumulative distance does place the suspension bushes, coil springs and brake discs into the mid‑life wear zone where fatigue and corrosion become more probable. When you inspect the car, pay particular attention to the front tyre condition; the off‑side tyre is already at the legal tread limit and the on‑side tyre was flagged for side‑wall damage a year earlier, so both are likely due for replacement imminently. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracks, bulges or embedded objects, and feel the steering for any vibration or pull that could indicate uneven wear or a misaligned suspension. Verify that the nearside headlamp now operates correctly, as a faulty dipped‑beam can mask other lighting faults and affect night‑time visibility. Inspect the rear brake assembly for pad thickness and disc surface; thin pads often presage disc wear or caliper binding, which can manifest as a pulsating pedal or squeal under braking. Finally, locate the source of the oil leak noted in 2022 – even a minor seep can lead to sludge buildup on the timing chain or valve train if left unchecked, so look for fresh oil around the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing and under the engine bay. Beyond the specific advisories, conduct a comprehensive age‑related check: assess the 12‑volt battery for cranking performance and any signs of sulphation, especially if the car has spent extended periods idle. Test all fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering – for correct level, colour and any milky appearance that would indicate water ingress. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around the rear sub‑frame and wheel arches, and verify that the exhaust system is free of cracks or excessive rust, which can affect emissions compliance. A thorough visual inspection of the suspension bushings, ball joints and tie‑rod ends for play or torn rubber, together with a short test‑drive listening for clunks, rattles or uneven tyre noise, will give you confidence that the Fiesta’s structural integrity remains sound and that any impending maintenance can be budgeted for before it becomes a safety issue.