2013 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YP63 PZX

The most recent MOT recorded on 31 October 2025 resulted in a failure, with dangerous defects on the nearside front tyre (tread below 1.6 mm and exposed ply) and major defects on the off‑side front lower suspension arm ball joint, off‑side front outer brake pads and a warning about front brake disc condition. The same date also carried advisories on front sub‑frame corrosion, an insecure exhaust shield and slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. Over the past four years the vehicle has moved from clean passes (2023‑2022) to a pattern of recurring front‑end suspension wear, tyre deterioration and brake component wear, indicating a clear deterioration rather than an improving maintenance trend. At 96 772 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 7 400 mi per annum, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the typical UK average for a thirteen‑year‑old car. The relatively modest annual mileage suggests periods of low utilisation or extended storage, which can accelerate age‑related decay such as tyre perishing, rubber cracking and corrosion of chassis components, even though the total mileage is not excessive. However, the concentration of front‑end wear despite modest miles points to aggressive driving loads or insufficient maintenance of suspension and tyre wear limits. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension a thorough inspection. The ball joints on both lower arms have been flagged as excessively worn in previous tests and now show slight play; any clunking or looseness when steering through bumps or applying the brakes would confirm the need for immediate replacement of both lower ball joints and the associated track‑rod end joints, which have also been recorded as having excessive play. The front sub‑frame corrosion, although not yet structurally critical, should be examined for any rust penetration that could compromise mounting points, and the exhaust shield must be re‑secured to prevent rattles and possible under‑body damage. The nearside front tyre is currently unsafe and must be replaced, while the off‑side front brake pads are at the wear indicator and the disc shows scoring – a full pad and disc service is advisable to restore reliable braking and avoid shudder or pulling under heavy braking. Given the vehicle’s age and the periods of low mileage, the buyer should also check for age‑related issues beyond the recorded defects. Inspect all tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot, cracking or perishing, especially on the rear set which have not been mentioned in recent tests. Verify the condition of the rear coil springs and look for any rust that has breached the spring protectors, as well as the rear shock absorbers for oil seepage, which can indicate loss of damping performance. A 12 V battery that has been idle for long stretches may need a load test, and all service fluids (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid) should be examined for colour, level and signs of moisture, with a full change recommended if they have not been refreshed within the last 24 months. A complete service history check and a pre‑purchase mechanical inspection covering these points will give a clear picture of the remaining life and any imminent outlay required to bring the Fiesta back to a safe, road‑worthy condition.