2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FL12 AAN

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 31 March 2026 with a single advisory noting that the front brake disc is worn, pitted or scored, though not considered seriously weakened at the time of test. Reviewing the broader history, the maintenance trend is showing signs of gradual deterioration rather than stable condition, with a clear pattern of suspension, tyre and exhaust related issues emerging over the past three years. The 2025 test saw a dangerous tyre failure, a major suspension ball joint defect, and a major exhaust leak, while the 2023 test recorded a fractured front coil spring alongside corrosion to the front subframe and heat shield. Although the car has consistently passed at re-test or subsequent annual examinations, the accumulation of advisories relating to front subframe corrosion, rear coil spring corrosion, and inner edge tyre wear suggests that the underlying chassis and suspension components are ageing and will likely require closer inspection and remedial work in the near future. With 112,810 miles recorded over approximately fourteen years, the Fiesta has averaged around 8,058 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. This level of usage is neither excessively high nor indicative of long periods of standing, meaning the mechanical wear profile is likely to be reasonably proportionate to the mileage. The annual MOT entries show steady mileage accumulation without any unusual gaps or sudden jumps, supporting a history of regular rather than sporadic use. For a Fiesta of this vintage and mileage, attention should remain focused on the usual age and mileage related wear items, particularly the clutch, dual mass flywheel if fitted, engine mountings, and timing chain or belt depending on the engine variant, all of which are common failure points beyond the 100,000 mile threshold. Coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil condition should also be verified as these degrade with calendar age regardless of low mileage. The recurring advisories relating to tyre wear on the inner edges of the front tyres, recorded in 2022 and again in 2025, warrant particular attention during a test drive, as this pattern typically indicates either incorrect wheel alignment, worn suspension bushes, or deteriorated top mounts and ball joints allowing the wheel geometry to drift. A buyer should listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for vague or wandering steering response. The fractured nearside front coil spring noted in 2023 and the corroded rear coil spring advisory from 2022 suggest the springs are nearing the end of their service life, so the vehicle should be inspected for uneven ride height and the springs themselves should be examined for any signs of corrosion pitting or cracking, particularly at the lower coils where stress is concentrated. Given the recorded subframe corrosion advisory in 2023, the underside of the front suspension assembly should be carefully examined for any progression of rust, paying close attention to mounting points, brake line brackets and the steering rack securing bolts, as corrosion in these areas can compromise structural integrity and future MOT outcomes. The exhaust leak flagged as a major failure in 2025 points to the rear back box having reached the end of its useful life, and given the vehicle age it would be prudent to inspect the full exhaust system for further corrosion, particularly at the front pipe, catalytic converter mounting and the centre silencer joints, as exhaust components on a fourteen year old car frequently fail in quick succession once one section has deteriorated. The pitted and scored front brake disc noted at the most recent test should be measured for remaining thickness, and the condition of the pads and caliper slide pins checked, as pitted discs often indicate that the brake has been binding lightly or that pad replacement has been deferred. With the inner edge tyre wear pattern still evident as recently as 2025, a four wheel alignment check should be requested, and the condition of the lower suspension arms, anti roll bar drop links and track rod ends physically inspected for play. Beyond the recorded MOT items, a buyer of a fourteen year old Fiesta with this mileage should also verify the age of the 12V battery, the condition of the cambelt or timing chain service history, the operation of the cooling system and radiator, and ensure that the servicing record confirms regular oil and filter changes at appropriate intervals, as these items are essential to the long term mechanical health of the vehicle.