2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · MK12 AAV

The vehicle presents a stable but reactive maintenance profile, with the most recent MOT on 18 November 2025 at 59,878 miles showing a pass following a failure. The tester flagged a rusty rear exhaust box and an ineffective nearside front windscreen wiper as reasons for the initial failure. While these are relatively minor issues, the recurrence of lighting failures in the November 2024 test and the November 2022 test suggests a pattern of neglecting basic bulb maintenance and minor electrical consumables. The mileage history indicates very low usage for a 2012 vehicle, averaging roughly 4,277 miles per year. The progression from 41,435 miles in November 2016 to 59,878 miles in November 2025 shows consistent, low-intensity driving. This low annual mileage often implies less mechanical wear on the drivetrain, but the long intervals between tests and the specific nature of the faults could suggest the vehicle spends significant time stationary, which can contribute to the degradation of rubber components and exhaust corrosion. A prospective buyer should focus on the underside of the vehicle to assess the extent of the corrosion mentioned in the 2025 test. While the rear exhaust box was the specific point of failure, the age of the car warrants a thorough inspection of the structural integrity and the condition of the fuel lines and mounting points. The history also shows a recurring issue with nearside front tyre wear, specifically noted in the 2024 and 2018 tests. This indicates a potential persistent wheel alignment issue or suspension geometry fault that should be verified during a road test. Suspension components also require attention. The 2018 test identified a damaged nearside front suspension arm ball joint dust cover, and a similar advisory appeared in 2017. Although these were passed, the history of suspension-related wear suggests that the bushes and ball joints may be nearing the end of their serviceable life. Checking for play in the steering and ensuring the suspension is not knocking over uneven surfaces is a necessary step before purchase.