2012 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · AF12 LSC

The most recent MOT inspection on 4 November 2025 resulted in a pass, but the record indicates a concerning downward trend in the vehicle's mechanical condition. While the 2024 test was clean, the latest results show a significant accumulation of advisories across multiple critical systems, including braking, tyres, suspension, and the exhaust. This progression suggests that while the vehicle is being maintained enough to pass the minimum legal threshold, essential wear-and-tear components are reaching the end of their serviceable life simultaneously. The recurrence of axle bush issues and the emergence of brake and tyre defects indicate that the vehicle is entering a phase of more frequent and potentially costly maintenance requirements. With a recorded mileage of 105,764 over approximately fourteen years, this Ford Fiesta has averaged roughly 7,555 miles per year. This level of usage is considered low to moderate for a vehicle of this age, suggesting it has likely been used for local trips or short commutes rather than heavy motorway driving. While lower annual mileage can reduce engine wear, it often leads to other issues such as component degradation from periods of standing. In this specific case, the moderate mileage is consistent with the observed wear on consumables like brake discs and tyres, but the buyer should be aware that components like suspension bushes and exhaust sections can perish or corrode due to age and moisture even if the vehicle is not driven extensively. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the braking system and suspension during a test drive. The advisories for worn, pitted, or scored front brake discs and thinning pads suggest that a full brake service, including new discs and pads, will be required imminently. You should listen for any grinding noises during braking or a pulsating sensation through the pedal, which would indicate warped or heavily scored discs. Furthermore, the advisory regarding the rear axle swivel pins and bushes, combined with previous failures in this area, means you should listen for knocking or clunking sounds when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. These worn bushes can negatively affect steering precision and cause uneven tyre wear. The exhaust system's recorded corrosion and the previous advisories regarding the rear silencer indicate that structural integrity of the exhaust is declining. During the test drive, listen for excessive loudness, rattling, or a deep droning sound, which may signal that the exhaust is nearing total failure. Additionally, the advisory for a worn offside front outer tyre suggests potential alignment issues or simply end-of-life wear; you should inspect all tyres for uneven tread wear patterns or sidewall cracking, which can occur on older vehicles even with moderate mileage. Finally, given the age of the vehicle, ensure the service history is verified to confirm that fluids, such as coolant and brake fluid, have been changed according to calendar intervals rather than just mileage, to prevent internal corrosion.