Good morning all,

I'm looking at a 2014/2015 Fiesta 1.25 Zetec for my daughter.  I've spotted a 2015 one but there's a couple of things I'm concerned about....

• I've spotted a rust bubble on the rear wheel arch (just above where the bumper meets the panel).  Are these particularly bad for rust in that area?
• The mileage is ~68k and the service record is pretty good but there is no record of the timing belt snd water pump being done.  I'd want to get that done, just looking for a ball park cost for that to factor into my purchase price.
• Thirdly there seems to be a different tax band dependent upon the year - 2014 ones are 120g/km.  2015 ones are 122 g/km, so into the £160 bracket.  Surely it's the same car or were there changes from 2014 models to 2015 ones?

Lastly are there any other issues I should be concerned about?   As an aside, I'm deliberately staying away from the ECOBOOST (BOOM) engine as those wet belts seems to be a ticking time bomb.

Many thanks in advance.

D.

Not many issues with these.

I don't like the sound of the rust, perhaps it's had a poor rear bump repaired

Just remember there's plenty about, so if you're not happy walk away

Can't remember the exact details, but CO2 figures have varied for most cars over the years due to  different measuring methods, changes to emission rules, etc. Worth checking individual cars before purchase as it can make a difference to tax as you have seen.

You are now looking at a 10/11 year old car so check carefully for rust. Damage repairs are a possibility as Dave mentions, but I have seen a few around that age now with rust spots where plastic bumpers meet metal. 

Mechanically pretty sound and a great choice for a first car. They need a lot of gearchanging to "make progress" but good fun to drive.

Plenty about so take your time, as already said.