2012 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · FL12 AAU

A recurring pattern of suspension and tyre wear advisories, alongside a significant failure in early 2024, defines the mechanical profile of this Ford Fiesta. While the vehicle passed its most recent test on 19 January 2026, the record shows a trend of accumulating advisories related to chassis components and consumables. The 2024 failure was particularly notable, involving major defects regarding exhaust emissions, a rear exhaust leak, and brake imbalance across the axle. Although these specific major issues were rectified to achieve subsequent passes, the most recent inspection has introduced new advisories concerning the offside front suspension arm ball joint and axle swivel pins and bushes on both the nearside and offside rear. The vehicle has covered 100,518 miles over its 14-year lifespan, representing an average annual usage of approximately 7,180 miles. This mileage is consistent with typical light-to-moderate usage for a vehicle of this age. Mechanically, this level of accumulation suggests that while the drivetrain may not have faced extreme high-mileage stress, the vehicle is at an age and mileage where rubber components, such as suspension bushes and ball joints, and consumable items like tyres and brake components, are subject to expected degradation and regular replacement cycles. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the chassis and suspension during a test drive. The recent advisories for play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint and wear in the rear axle swivel pins and bushes indicate potential issues with steering precision and rear-end stability. On the road, these defects may manifest as knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as well as a vague or imprecise feeling through the steering wheel. It is also advisable to inspect the condition of the tyres, as the record shows a consistent history of tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges, which can be a symptom of incorrect wheel alignment or camber issues. Regarding the braking system, the 2024 failure for imbalanced brakes across an axle necessitates a thorough check of the current braking performance. During a test drive, listen for any grinding or squealing noises and feel for any pulling to one side under braking or a pulsating sensation through the brake pedal, which could indicate uneven disc wear or binding calipers. Furthermore, given the previous major failure for an exhaust leak and high lambda readings, the integrity of the exhaust system and the efficiency of the emissions control components should be verified to ensure the previous faults have been fully resolved and are not recurring.