2016 Ford Fiesta 1.5L Diesel · YS66 FJY

Recurring suspension wear and wheel distortion issues represent the most immediate mechanical concerns for this vehicle, as evidenced by the latest MOT passed on 21 October 2025. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent testing frequency, the recent transition from a clean 2024 pass to multiple advisories in 2025 suggests a developing trend in component degradation. Specifically, the presence of play in the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint and the identification of slight distortions in both the nearside front and offside rear road wheels indicate that the vehicle is currently subject to mechanical wear that will require monitoring. The recorded mileage of 128,469 miles for a 2016 model indicates a high-usage profile, averaging approximately 12,847 miles per year. This level of annual accumulation is significantly higher than the UK average for a vehicle of this age and implies more frequent stress on consumable components and mechanical linkages. Such high mileage typically accelerates the wear of suspension bushes, ball joints, and braking components, which is consistent with the recent advisories regarding suspension play and wheel distortion. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension during a test drive to address the advisory regarding the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint. Listen for distinct knocking or clunking noises when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as this is a primary symptom of excessive play in anti-roll bar linkages. Additionally, the advisories concerning distorted road wheels on both the nearside front and offside rear should be investigated. During the test drive, check for any steering pull, vibrations through the steering wheel at motorway speeds, or a rhythmic shuddering felt through the seat or floorpan, as these can be direct indicators of wheel or tyre irregularity. The history of tyre defects, including a previous failure for a cut reaching the cords in 2020 and an advisory for edge wear in 2021, further highlights the impact of the vehicle's high mileage on its running gear. Given the recent advisories for both suspension play and wheel distortion, a thorough inspection of the current tyre tread patterns is necessary to ensure there is no uneven wear caused by the aforementioned suspension issues or wheel misalignment. Any evidence of scalloping or irregular wear on the inner or outer edges of the tyres would warrant immediate professional investigation into the alignment and suspension geometry.