2012 FORD FIESTA1.6L DIESEL

The most recent MOT in August 2025 at 97,327 miles passed with only a minor advisory on the nearside rear tyre, worn close to the legal limit. This suggests the vehicle’s core mechanical systems—brakes, steering, suspension, and emissions—have been deemed roadworthy in the past year, though the tyre issue indicates ongoing neglect of consumable maintenance. Earlier tests reveal a clear pattern of recurring tyre wear, with multiple failures and advisories between 2022 and 2025, including tread depth breaches and edge wear on multiple tyres. The 2023 failure stands out as the most serious, flagging both front suspension ball joints (nearside inner and offside outer) as either excessively worn or at risk of detachment, alongside a rear tyre below the 1.6mm limit. While the suspension faults were not repeated in later tests, their severity implies they were addressed—though without confirmation of repairs, a buyer should treat them as unresolved risks. The Fiesta’s mileage accumulation—6,952 miles per year over 14 years—aligns with typical usage for its age, neither excessively high nor suspiciously low. The gaps between tests are standard, with annual MOTs from July 2022 to August 2025, though the double entry in July 2023 (one pass, one fail) suggests a rushed or delayed retest after the suspension failure. No rapid mileage spikes or prolonged inactivity are evident, but the tyre issues across multiple tests—including perishing and edge wear—hint at inconsistent rotation or alignment, or simply a lack of proactive replacement. A buyer should prioritise an in-person inspection of the front suspension components, particularly the ball joints and anti-roll bar linkages, as these were critically flagged in 2023. The absence of further suspension advisories in later tests may indicate repairs, but wear on these parts can compromise handling and safety. Tyres should be checked for uneven wear, cracks, or bulging, especially on the rear—where perishing was noted—and all four should be measured for tread depth. The rear brakes were not directly criticised, but the 2024 advisory on reduced light intensity from a rear lamp suggests potential corrosion or poor maintenance around that area, which could extend to brake components if left unchecked. Finally, the non-obligatory mirror damage in 2024, while cosmetic, underscores a broader theme: basic upkeep has been inconsistent. The vehicle has passed its last two MOTs without major faults, but the recurring tyre and suspension issues demand scrutiny before purchase. A pre-MOT inspection focusing on suspension integrity, tyre condition, and brake functionality would be prudent.