2014 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · YR14 XLB

The most recent MOT recorded on 16 July 2026 resulted in a failure, principally for an incorrect nearside headlamp aim, and it was accompanied by a suite of advisories covering front brake disc condition, thin front pads, and tyre wear on both the nearside front and rear wheels. Over the past three years the vehicle’s MOT history has been dominated by failures and recurring advisories, particularly concerning the braking system, suspension bushings and ball joints, and tyre condition. This pattern indicates a deteriorating maintenance trend rather than a stabilising one, with several items progressing from advisory to major status and even a dangerous tyre condition being flagged in early 2024. At 90 021 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 7 500 miles per annum, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a twelve‑year‑old small car. The mileage does not suggest any period of excessive short‑term loading, but the relatively modest annual distance could imply that the vehicle has spent extended intervals stationary. Prolonged standing can accelerate corrosion of suspension mounting points, promote tyre side‑wall perishing, and allow the 12‑V battery to lose charge capacity, all of which must be verified before purchase. A prospective buyer should give immediate attention to the front braking assembly: the discs have been described as pitted and scored for several consecutive years and the pads are already thin, so replacement of both discs and pads is likely required before the next service. The nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and both front track‑rod ends have been recorded with excessive play, a condition that will manifest as a loose steering feel, clunking on bumps and uneven tyre wear; replacement of the affected ball joints and any associated bushings should be negotiated. Tyre inspection is critical – one tyre was flagged as having exposed cords, a dangerous condition that mandates immediate replacement, while the remaining tyres are at or beyond the legal tread limit on the nearside front and rear, so a full set of tyres is advisable. The headlamp aim must be corrected, the off‑side rear lamp tape removed, and the missing side repeater fitted to restore full lighting compliance. During a test drive listen for any knocking from the suspension, feel for play in the steering column, and monitor the brake pedal for pulsation or sponginess, all of which would corroborate the recorded faults. Beyond the specific defects, the car’s age warrants a thorough age‑related inspection: examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, check the battery terminals for corrosion and have the cranking voltage tested, verify that coolant, brake fluid and engine oil have been changed within the recommended intervals (fluids degrade over time even without mileage), and inspect the chassis for any rust, especially around the wheel arches, suspension mounting points and under‑tray. Confirm that the service book contains stamps for major services such as timing belt/chain replacement (if applicable) and that any previous brake or suspension work is documented. Addressing these items will give a clearer picture of the vehicle’s true roadworthiness and the likely cost of bringing it to a reliable, safe condition.