2015 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · YA15 AEY

The most recent MOT on 27 June 2026 recorded a failure for the nearside rear stop lamp, a major safety defect, although the test otherwise passed with a number of advisories. Over the past four years the record shows a clear deterioration: clean passes in 2022 and 2023 were followed by failures for headlamp and ball‑joint wear in 2024, TPMS and multiple stop‑lamp faults in 2025, and now a rear stop‑lamp failure together with recurring suspension and leak advisories in 2026. The pattern suggests that electrical reliability and rear‑axle bush wear are becoming increasingly problematic and that proactive remedial work is required before the vehicle can be considered dependable. At 77,806 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 7 000 mi per year, which is typical for a 2015 model and indicates no periods of extreme high‑speed use or severe under‑use. The mileage is low enough that major drivetrain components such as the gearbox and engine are unlikely to be at the end of their design life, but the modest annual run‑off means that many wear items – especially suspension bushes, brake discs and tyre rubber – will have aged more by calendar than by distance. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would point to a hidden high‑stress episode. The recurring rear‑axle swivel pin and bush wear should be inspected for excessive play by rocking the rear wheels while the car is lifted; any clunk or looseness under load signals that the bushes may need replacement soon. The oil and coolant leaks noted in consecutive years are likely to manifest as drips on the ground or dampness around the engine bay and under the rear subframe; a thorough visual check for fresh oil stains, coolant residue or a sweet‑smelling vapour is essential, and any leak should be traced to its source – be it a valve cover gasket, coolant hose, or rear‑axle seal – before it leads to overheating or oil starvation. Brake disc advisories for both front discs indicate surface pitting; measure disc thickness and look for uneven wear or scoring, and listen for a high‑pitched squeal or pulsation under firm braking, as these are early signs that resurfacing or replacement may be imminent. The multiple stop‑lamp failures and the TPMS fault point to ageing wiring harnesses and sensor batteries; verify that all rear and front stop lamps illuminate correctly and that the tyre‑pressure monitoring system displays stable readings, as a malfunction can cause an MOT failure and compromise safety. Finally, the 2024 headlamp and ball‑joint excess play advisory suggests the front steering linkage should be checked for free movement and any knock when turning, with particular attention to the nearside track‑rod end bearing. Beyond the specific defects, a buyer should treat the vehicle as a decade‑old car and examine age‑related items. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or uneven wear that could indicate mis‑alignment; tyres older than six years should be replaced regardless of tread depth. Check the 12 V battery terminals for corrosion and test the cranking voltage, as batteries tend to lose capacity after five years of standing. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering – for correct levels and signs of discoloration, and consider a full service change if the service book shows a gap of more than twelve months. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around the rear axle mounting points and wheel arches, and ensure that any rust is surface‑treated rather than structural. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection covering these points will give a clear indication of whether the Fiesta’s remaining life justifies its price.