2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · AE12 HVL

The 2012 Ford Fiesta passed its most recent MOT on 29 May 2026 at 52,204 miles, but the maintenance picture is mixed. The car failed the week prior on 22 May 2026 at 52,149 miles due to an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint, a serious wear item that suggests neglected front-end upkeep. That defect was rectified in time for the retest, yet the pass still carried four advisories. Both rear tyres were flagged for cracking and perishing, and rear axle swivel pins and bushes showed slight wear on both sides. These items persisted from the failed test into the pass, meaning they were noted but not repaired. The trend is not cleanly improving. A car that fails on a critical suspension joint and then passes with multiple advisories indicates reactive rather than preventive maintenance. At roughly 3,729 miles per year, the mileage is low for a 14-year-old vehicle. The record shows 44,850 miles in November 2023 and 52,204 miles by May 2026, a gain of around 7,350 miles in two and a half years, which is modest but not negligible. There are no glaring gaps or sudden jumps in the data, and the 2023 test recorded zero defects, suggesting the car was in better condition before the recent deterioration. The low annual mileage may have helped preserve the drivetrain, but it has not prevented age-related corrosion and rubber deterioration. The recurring theme across the record is suspension and chassis wear. Rear coil springs were flagged as corroded in May 2025, and rear axle swivel bushes appeared worn in May 2026. A rear shock absorber was noted with light oil misting in 2025, and a track rod end showed slight play. These are not isolated items. They point to a car whose underbody components have aged without consistent attention. A prospective buyer should inspect the underside thoroughly, checking for corrosion on subframes, suspension mounting points, and coil springs, and should verify that the rear axle swivel bushes and shock absorbers are not deteriorating further. Tyre condition also warrants close attention. Both rear tyres were flagged for cracking and perishing in May 2026, which can indicate age hardening rather than simple wear. A buyer should check the date codes on all four tyres and budget for replacement if the rubber is more than six years old, regardless of remaining tread. The front suspension ball joint failure earlier in May 2026 raises a further question. A competent test drive should assess steering precision, listen for clunks over rough surfaces, and confirm there is no excessive play in the front suspension. The record suggests this Fiesta has been used lightly but not always maintained diligently, and a careful in-person inspection is essential before purchase.