2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · WR61 AAX

The most recent MOT, dated 12 March 2026, was passed but recorded several advisories – a minor oil leak, front‑tyre tread approaching the legal limit, and slight wear on both rear axle swivel pins and bushes. Over the last three years the vehicle has alternated between pass and fail, with failures generally arising from tyre tread depth falling below 1.6 mm and a non‑functioning rear stop lamp. The recurrence of the same oil‑leak advisory each year and the repeated tyre‑wear notices suggest a maintenance pattern that is largely reactive; while the failures have been rectified to achieve a pass, the underlying issues have not been fully resolved, indicating a stable but not improving trend. At 161,658 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 10,800 miles per annum, a usage rate that is typical for a fifteen‑year‑old family hatchback. There are no obvious mileage gaps in the recorded history, implying the car has been driven fairly consistently rather than being subjected to long periods of storage. This level of mileage places normal wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, suspension bushes and tyre rubber, and it also means the engine and transmission components have accumulated a substantial amount of operational hours, so any latent wear will be more likely to manifest. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the oil‑leak source – a visual inspection under the engine bay and a check for oil on the exhaust or under the vehicle after a short drive will reveal whether the leak is from a valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or a more serious crankcase breach. The front tyres should be measured for tread depth on both the centre and edges; uneven wear or edge‑wear can indicate mis‑alignment, incorrect tyre pressures or worn suspension components. During a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when the steering wheel is turned or when the car passes over bumps, which would be symptomatic of the slightly worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes. Verify that all exterior lamps, especially the rear stop lamp, illuminate correctly, and confirm that the driver’s seat moves fore and aft without binding, as a faulty adjustment mechanism can become unsafe if the seat cannot be positioned properly. Any signs of tyre cuts, bulges or sidewall cracking should be addressed promptly, as the record shows a previous cut on the near‑side front outer tyre. Given the vehicle’s age, additional age‑related inspections are advisable. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and verify that it holds charge, particularly if the car has spent periods idle. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or glazing, and ensure the pads have sufficient material; standing for long periods can cause disc corrosion that leads to uneven pad wear. Examine the suspension for cracked or perished rubber bushings, especially the lower control‑arm and rear trailing‑arm bushes, which can affect handling and tyre wear. Finally, confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluids degrade with time even if the car is not driven heavily, and stale fluids can cause overheating, corrosion or reduced braking efficiency. A full service history and any recent component replacements will give further confidence in the car’s roadworthiness.