2021 Ford Fiesta Active Edition T Mhev 1.0L Petrol · YJ21 KOR

The most recent DVSA examination on 8 May 2026 returned a pass certificate, although the inspector logged a Minor defect for a severely deteriorated offside front constant velocity boot, alongside advisories for a fitted under-tray, smearing front wiper blades, and rear tyres exhibiting damage, cuts, and perishing. Cross-referencing the preceding two tests reveals a maintenance trend that is stable rather than deteriorating, though it is not improving either. The same offside front CV boot deterioration was flagged as a Minor in May 2025, suggesting it has either been overlooked or is a rapidly recurring issue with the gaiter material. The 2024 test recorded steering rack inner joint play and a slightly distorted nearside front wheel, neither of which reappeared in 2025 or 2026, indicating these earlier concerns were likely resolved. Overall, the vehicle is fundamentally roadworthy, but a prospective buyer should not interpret repeated CV gaiter advisories as benign, as the underlying issue clearly persists across two consecutive annual tests. With 88,206 miles recorded on a 2021 vehicle, this Fiesta has covered roughly 17,600 miles annually, which is materially above the national average for its age and places it firmly in the higher-use bracket. Such sustained annual mileage accelerates wear on mechanical consumables, particularly friction materials and suspension components. There are no apparent extended gaps between MOT records that might suggest long periods of standing, which is positive from a corrosion and battery standpoint, but it does mean the brake discs, pads, and tyres have endured more thermal cycles and mechanical stress than a typical example. The drivetrain, including the mild hybrid ancillary systems, will have experienced proportionally greater fatigue, and the MHEV electrical components warrant particular scrutiny given the higher operating hours. The recurring offside front CV boot defect is the most pressing mechanical concern to investigate before purchase. A deteriorated gaiter allows grease to escape and contaminants to ingress into the constant velocity joint, leading to accelerated wear, vibration under load, and ultimately joint failure. On a test drive, listen for a clicking or knocking noise from the front when turning at low speed, and inspect the inner and outer CV boots visually for splits, displaced grease, or perished rubber. The boot replacement itself is relatively inexpensive if caught early, but neglecting it can result in complete drive shaft replacement. It is also worth confirming whether the inner CV joint boot was the affected side, as inner gaiter failure is less accessible and more labour-intensive to rectify. Regarding the remaining advisories, the smearing wipers indicate aged blade rubbers, which is a low-cost replacement, while the damaged and perished rear tyres require immediate attention given the advisory has appeared twice across the test history. On a physical inspection, check the rear tyres for visible cuts, sidewall cracking, and tread depth, and be prepared to budget for a matching pair. The advisory for steering rack inner joint play recorded in 2024 should be re-examined on a test drive by turning the wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to feel for any knocking or excessive slack. Given the elevated mileage, additional buyer checks should include a thorough inspection of the front brake discs for lipping and corrosion, the rear drum or disc assemblies for binding calipers and hot spots after a short drive, the condition of all suspension bushes and coil springs for sagging or cracking, the age and state of charge of the 12V battery, and verification of time-based fluid services such as brake fluid, coolant, and the MHEV system coolant. Finally, ensure the service book is fully stamped and cross-referenced with the vehicle’s high-mileage profile, as irregular servicing on a heavily used vehicle is a significant risk factor.