2017 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WR17 FMM

A clear pattern of emerging rear suspension and tyre wear defines the recent MOT history of this 2017 Ford Fiesta, with the situation culminating in a 2026 test that resulted in both a Pass and a Fail recorded on the same date. The failure itself was unrelated to the suspension concerns, stemming instead from both front windscreen wipers failing to clear the screen effectively, a straightforward replacement item. However, the advisory trail is more telling. In 2025, both rear suspension arm pins or bushes were noted as worn on the nearside and offside, and in 2024, both rear axle swivel pins and bushes were flagged with slight wear. Together, these advisories indicate a progressive deterioration of the rear suspension bushings, an issue common to this model as the rubber compounds harden and the components slacken with age. The nearside rear tyre has also been flagged for slight damage, cracking, or perishing in two consecutive tests, suggesting either persistent kerbing damage, sidewall degradation from low usage, or a combination of both. The absence of any advisories from 2020 through 2023 indicates that this wear pattern has developed relatively recently rather than being a long-standing characteristic. The recorded mileage of 53,281 miles across approximately nine years equates to an annual accumulation of around 5,920 miles, which is notably low for the vehicle's age and well below the typical mileage for a car of this type. While there are no extended gaps in the MOT testing record, with annual tests consistently recorded from 2020 onwards, the relatively modest mileage means components such as brakes, clutches, and tyres may exhibit age-related deterioration rather than wear from high usage. Brake discs in particular can suffer from corrosion and lipping on lightly used vehicles due to prolonged exposure to moisture without sufficient friction to keep the surface clean, and the original rubber components throughout the suspension and drivetrain are more likely to show perishing and hardening than mechanical wear. The annual mileage is consistent throughout the record rather than showing sudden increases, suggesting steady rather than intermittent use. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension components flagged in 2024 and 2025 warrant close physical inspection, as the advisories indicate movement that was not yet deemed excessive but is clearly progressing. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly speed bumps and potholes, which would suggest the worn bushes have progressed beyond the advisory threshold. Check for any vagueness or instability in the rear end during direction changes, as worn swivel pins and suspension arm bushes can allow toe instability under cornering loads. With the vehicle unloaded, attempt to push the rear wheel horizontally at the top and bottom to detect any lateral play in the suspension linkages, and vertically to assess bush compliance. A bouncy or unsettled ride quality, particularly over undulating surfaces, would further indicate degraded rear damping. The wiper failure recorded at the most recent test should be confirmed as rectified by verifying that both front wipers clear the windscreen cleanly across the full swept area with no smearing, streaking, or skipping, particularly along the driver's side arc. The nearside rear tyre should be inspected physically for sidewall cracking, bulges, or exposed cord, paying particular attention to the condition of the rubber between the tread blocks, as low-mileage tyres frequently deteriorate from age rather than wear and may require replacement regardless of remaining tread depth. Examine all four tyres for manufacturing date stamps, as tyres older than six years are generally considered past their service life regardless of tread remaining. Finally, given the low annual mileage, the brake discs and pads should be inspected for surface corrosion, lipping on the disc edges, and seized caliper slider pins, with a firm brake pedal feel and straight stopping under heavy braking confirming that the system has not suffered from prolonged inactivity.