2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LB61 ABN

A remarkably tidy MOT history for a fifteen year old Fiesta sits behind this car, with the most recent test on 16 September 2025 recording a clean pass and no advisories at all. Across the four consecutive passes from 2022 through 2025, the only advisory items raised were both located on the rear nearside and date from the autumn 2022 test: a slightly discoloured rear direction indicator lens and a rear brake disc showing inner face pitting and corrosion. The intervening failure on 19 October 2022 was largely cosmetic and tyre-related rather than indicative of structural deterioration, with the major items being an offside front direction indicator showing white instead of amber and a deep sidewall cut on the offside rear tyre, alongside a headlamp aim adjustment on the nearside. The vehicle passed cleanly the very next day, suggesting these issues were rectified immediately rather than pointing to any chronic electrical or lighting fault. The recorded odometer stands at 30,219 miles against a 2011 registration, equating to an annual accumulation of around 2,015 miles per year, which is well below the typical mileage for a small Ford of this era. There are no unusual gaps between tests and the mileage progression appears consistent with steady, light use rather than any extended period off the road. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature tends to preserve major drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch and gearbox internals, but it does mean that consumables which degrade through age rather than use, including rubber boots, suspension bushes, brake hoses, drive belts and coolant hoses, can deteriorate even when tread depths and friction material thicknesses remain generous. Standing periods can also promote surface corrosion on brake discs and underbody components even when the car is subsequently driven little and gently. Given the rear brake disc advisory from 2022, any test drive should include several firm, progressive stops from around 30 mph to assess for brake pedal pulsation, vibration through the pedal or shudder through the steering wheel, all of which would indicate the nearside rear disc has developed further lateral runout or hot spots since the pitting was last noted. Listen for any grinding, squealing or binding as the rear nearside wheel releases after the car has been parked overnight, as a corroded disc surface combined with infrequent use can cause the nearside rear caliper slide pins to seize partially, leading to uneven pad wear. On the move, pay attention to the rear end over uneven surfaces and speed humps for clonking noises from the rear axle beam bushes or shock absorbers, which are common age-related wear points on Mk6 and Mk7 Fiestas of this generation and would not necessarily have been captured by an MOT focused on lighting, tyres and emissions. The offside front direction indicator failure in 2022 is worth a brief check during a walkaround, as some aftermarket LED or tinted replacement bulbs fitted to rectify the colour defect can produce hyper-flash or bulb-out warnings on the cluster, and the lens itself should be confirmed as undamaged. Inspect the offside rear tyre sidewall closely for any repairs, bulges or scarring, since the recorded cut to cords may have prompted replacement rather than repair, but a repaired sidewall of that severity would be a legitimate negotiating point. Finally, request evidence of regular running regardless of low mileage, as any car averaging only 2,000 miles annually benefits from oil changes at calendar intervals rather than mileage alone, and an ageing timing chain, water pump and coolant should be inspected for weepage given the vehicle's age.