2015 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WN65 VUS

The most recent DVSA examination on 25 August 2026 resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects recorded, and this outcome follows three further consecutive passes in 2025, 2024, and 2023. The overall trajectory demonstrates a stable maintenance pattern with no recurring or worsening issues. The only notable mechanical failure within the recorded history was a fractured nearside rear coil spring in August 2023, which was rectified and the vehicle subsequently passed without re-presentation on this defect. A second failure the previous year related solely to an inoperative nearside rear stop lamp, which is typically a low-cost electrical item such as a bulb or switch, and bears no mechanical significance to the underlying roadworthiness of the vehicle. Both rear tyre advisories issued in July 2022 for slight perishing and cracking appear to have been addressed and have not reappeared in subsequent test entries. With 47,790 miles recorded over approximately eleven years, this Ford Fiesta has covered around 4,345 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Such limited usage often indicates either predominantly short urban journeys or extended periods of standing between uses, both of which can be detrimental to certain components despite the low wear on major drivetrain parts. Low annual mileage typically results in minimal wear to the engine, clutch, and gearbox internals, but it commonly accelerates degradation in areas such as brake discs, brake fluid condition, battery health, and tyres through age-related perishing rather than tread wear. Any significant standing periods should be confirmed through the service book or MOT certificates to ensure the vehicle has been regularly exercised and maintained. Given the limited annual mileage and the vehicle's age, a prospective buyer should prioritise inspection of components susceptible to time-based deterioration rather than wear alone. The tyres warrant particular attention even if the tread depth appears adequate, as eleven-year-old rubber can suffer sidewall cracking and perishing from age; physical inspection for hairline fractures and verification of the manufacturing date code on the sidewall should be carried out. The braking system should be examined for corrosion on the brake discs, which can occur from standing and lead to juddering under load, as well as for any seized caliper sliders caused by infrequent operation. The 12V battery is likely approaching the end of its functional life and should be load-tested, particularly given that low-mileage vehicles with predominantly short journeys rarely allow the alternator to restore a depleted charge. Brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil degrade with calendar age rather than mileage, so it is essential to confirm the dates of the last fluid changes and whether the service book shows consistent annual attention despite the low odometer reading. On a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention should be paid to any warning lights on the instrument cluster, including the airbag and engine management systems, and to evidence of fluid staining beneath the vehicle on the driveway or in the engine bay. When driving, listen for any clonking or knocking noises from the front and rear suspension, which could indicate perished bushes or a recurrence of coil spring fatigue given the prior failure, and pay attention to steering precision and any pulling to one side under braking, which could reveal warped brake discs. Check that the rear stop lamps illuminate correctly, as this was the subject of a previous failure, and confirm the operation of all other exterior lighting. Verify the service history stamps correspond to the annual mileage pattern and ensure the timing belt or chain replacement interval, along with spark plug condition, has been observed in line with Ford's recommended schedule, as these are time-sensitive items that low mileage does not defer.