2013 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YL13 DFG

A pattern of deteriorating suspension and chassis components defines the mechanical history of this vehicle, which culminated in a failure in December 2025 due to excessively worn nearside rear axle swivel pins and bushes. While the vehicle subsequently passed its test on 16 December 2025, the record shows a transition from clean tests in 2019 and 2020 to a series of recurring advisories concerning ball joints and axle wear, indicating a trend of increasing wear on the undercarriage. The recorded mileage of 67,345 miles is low for a thirteen year old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,180 miles per year. This usage profile indicates the car has spent significant time stationary or has been used for short distances, which is consistent with the type of degradation noted in the MOT history, specifically the corrosion of rear coil springs and the perishing of tyres rather than wear caused by high-mileage attrition. Attention must be paid to the rear suspension and axle assembly. Although the major failure regarding the nearside rear axle swivel pins and bushes was addressed for the December 2025 pass, the remaining advisories for corroded rear coil springs and a misting offside rear shock absorber indicate ongoing degradation of the rear damping system. During a test drive, listen for knocks or thumps over speed bumps and check for an unstable or bouncy feel at the rear of the vehicle, which would indicate the shock absorbers and springs are nearing the end of their functional life. The front end has shown a persistent trend of slight play in the suspension arm ball joints across multiple years of testing. A prospective buyer should feel for any vagueness in the steering or a slight pull under braking. Additionally, the recorded perishing of the nearside rear tyre and the discolouration of the offside front indicator are immediate maintenance items. A physical inspection should confirm whether the front ball joints have been replaced or if the play has persisted since the 2024 test.