2012 FORD FIESTA1.2L Petrol

The vehicle’s most recent MOT tests, conducted just six months ago on January 29, 2026, reveal a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite identical mileage readings of 140,887 miles. Both tests on that date were marked as passed and failed simultaneously, which suggests either an administrative error or a deliberate attempt to bypass inspection—though the absence of recorded defects makes this unusual. The preceding annual tests in January 2025 and February 2024 passed without fail, indicating a stable roadworthiness record until the abrupt anomaly in early 2026. Without visible defects logged, the failures may stem from undocumented issues such as tampered test results or unresolved pre-existing faults, but the lack of clarity demands thorough verification. The recorded mileage of 140,887 miles over 14 years aligns closely with an average of 10,063 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the gap between tests—particularly the 11-month interval between the 2025 and 2026 tests—is unusually long given the car’s age and mileage. The 2024 test at 110,259 miles followed a similar 11-month gap, suggesting the vehicle may have been out of regular service for extended periods. While this could indicate lighter use, it also raises questions about whether critical maintenance was deferred, particularly for components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake systems, which degrade more rapidly when left unserviced. Given the repeated failures in early 2026 and the vehicle’s age, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension geometry, focusing on worn or perished bushes and coil springs, as these are common failure points in high-mileage Fiestas. The braking system warrants close scrutiny, particularly for uneven wear on discs or binding calipers, which could explain the test anomalies. Structural integrity should also be assessed, especially around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, where corrosion often compromises safety-critical components. The absence of defects in prior tests does not guarantee current reliability, and the 2026 failures suggest either a rushed inspection or unresolved issues that may have persisted undetected.