2013 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · WR13 OSJ

A persistent electrical and lighting issue defines the mechanical story of this 2013 Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 21 April 2026 yielding a pass with no defects recorded, but only after a same-day failure for both headlamp beam aim images being obviously incorrect. This is not an isolated event. The identical headlamp aim failure was recorded on 24 April 2025 alongside advisories for an inner tyre worn to the legal limit on the offside front and an insecure front registration plate, and the year prior on 25 April 2024 the vehicle failed on an offside front main beam not functioning, an offside stop lamp not working, and an insufficient windscreen washer supply. The recurrence of lighting and electrical non-conformances across three consecutive test cycles is a clear pattern rather than a one-off rectification, suggesting underlying issues with the headlamp adjustment mechanism, bulb condition or wiring integrity that have not been permanently resolved. By contrast, the structural and emissions side of the record is largely tidy, with the 2023 test producing no failures but flagging a coolant leak and coil spring corrosion across all three corners mentioned, which adds a secondary layer of mechanical concern worth weighing alongside the electrical pattern. The recorded mileage of 108,844 miles against a 13-year age equates to an average annual accumulation of roughly 8,373 miles, which sits comfortably within the expected band for a vehicle of this vintage and segment. The progression between tests is broadly consistent rather than erratic, indicating the Fiesta has been in steady daily use rather than subjected to long periods off the road or sudden bursts of high-mileage driving. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record between 2022 and 2026, which means the vehicle has remained on the road continuously and the advisories and failures reflect genuine wear patterns rather than post-storage deterioration. Mechanically, this level of regular use on a Fiesta of this age means the consumables typical of higher-mileage superminis, namely clutches, dual-mass flywheel components, brake discs and pads, suspension bushes and exhaust mountings, are likely to be approaching or already into a replacement cycle, even though the MOT record itself does not flag braking or clutch wear specifically. The recurring headlamp aim failures warrant particular attention during a physical inspection. On a test drive, verify that both dipped beam patterns produce a sharp horizontal cut-off on a flat wall in the dark, and that there is no obvious scatter, asymmetry or vertical misalignment. Check that main beam functions on both sides and that all four stop lamps illuminate crisply when the brake pedal is pressed, as the offside stop lamp failure of 2024 could recur if the bulb holder or earth connection is degraded. Examine the windscreen washer system for adequate pump output through both front nozzles and, if fitted, the rear wiper jet. The advisories from 2023 regarding coolant leak and coil spring corrosion across nearside rear, offside rear and offside front locations merit a close look underneath the vehicle. Look for green or orange staining on the cam belt cover, expansion tank or radiator hoses, and listen for any clonks or knocking from the rear suspension over uneven road surfaces, which would suggest the corroded coil springs have progressed to fracture or that the associated rubber spring seats have hardened. A coolant pressure test is advisable given the recorded leak, and a careful inspection of the spring pans for any flaking that could lead to spring breakage would be prudent. The tyre advisory recorded in 2025 for the offside front inner edge wearing close to the legal limit points to possible geometry drift, which on a 13-year-old Fiesta commonly traces to worn front wishbone bushes, tie rod ends or anti-roll bar drop links. On a test drive, pay attention to any steering wander, pulling to one side under braking, or a knocking or creaking from the front suspension over speed bumps, all of which would indicate that the geometry-affecting components have worn since that advisory was raised. The insecure front registration plate noted in 2025 is a trivial item, but the insecure battery carrier advisory from 2023 should prompt a check that the battery clamp is properly seated and that the terminals are tight and free of corrosion. Given the three-year history of electrical non-conformances, it would be sensible to have the charging system voltage tested with the engine running, as an overcharging alternator or a failing battery can produce erratic bulb and lighting behaviour that explains the pattern. Overall, the structure and brake wear profile appear consistent with age and mileage, but the buyer should budget for immediate attention to lighting rectification, a thorough suspension and coolant system check, and possible replacement of front suspension linkage components.