2019 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Petrol · Y22 LCE

A recurring theme of brake‑disc surface wear, punctuated by a single near‑side front oil‑seal advisory, shapes the mechanical narrative of this 2019 Fiesta. The most recent MOT on 25 August 2026 recorded a clean pass with no defects, and the pattern over the last five years shows only advisory notes – two successive years noting rear brake‑disc pitting and an earlier off‑side front tyre approaching the legal tread limit. Apart from the 2025 oil‑leak advisory, the vehicle has not failed a test, indicating that any wear has remained within the MOT’s acceptance criteria. The recorded 37,991 mi after roughly seven years translates to an average of about 5,400 mi per annum, well below the typical UK usage rate for a family hatchback. Annual testing has been consistent, with no significant gaps, suggesting the car has been driven regularly rather than sitting idle for extended periods. Low mileage reduces cumulative wear on consumables such as brake pads, clutch, and suspension bushings, but it also means that rubber components (mounts, hoses, tyre sidewalls) may have aged without the benefit of regular flexing, potentially leading to cracking or hardening that only becomes apparent under load. When inspecting the brakes, pay particular attention to the rear discs for any audible squeal, grinding, or a pulsating pedal under firm braking – symptoms that would confirm the pitting noted in the 2023 and 2024 advisories has progressed toward thinning. Measure disc thickness if possible; any reading close to the minimum legal limit warrants replacement. Front‑brake performance should also be checked for even pedal feel, as uneven wear can manifest as a pull to one side. For the oil‑seal issue flagged in early 2025, look for fresh oil spots around the near‑side front wheel arch and feel for any oily residue on the under‑tray; a persistent leak could indicate a deteriorating driveshaft seal that may later affect the CV joint or lead to contamination of surrounding components. Finally, the front tyre that was warned about in 2022 should be examined for tread depth, sidewall integrity and uniform wear; even if the tyre has been replaced since, the warning suggests the car may have been driven on marginal tread at some point. During a test drive, listen for any knocking over bumps that could hint at worn suspension bushes or loose steering links, and feel for any steering pull that might betray uneven tyre wear or alignment issues. Addressing the brake‑disc condition and confirming the oil‑seal integrity before purchase will mitigate the most salient mechanical risks identified in the MOT history.