2012 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · AF62 NPX

A pattern of front suspension and brake wear dominates the mechanical history of this 2012 Ford Fiesta, with two failures in late 2020 and 2021 specifically flagging the front axle components. The most recent MOT on 2025-11-21 resulted in a pass, but an advisory was issued for the swivel pins and bushes showing slight wear, suggesting the degradation observed in the lower suspension ball joints back in 2020 has now transferred or progressed to the axle swivel mounting points. Earlier tests in 2023 and 2022 recorded advisories for both rear coil springs showing corrosion, and a rear fuel pipe advisory in 2023 raises concerns about the underbody metalwork integrity on this 14 year old vehicle. The single dangerous failure in 2021 for front brake pads being below 1.5mm indicates the braking system has experienced significant wear episodes, though subsequent tests in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 returned clean pass results with no brake related advisories recorded. The recorded mileage of 119,468 miles across roughly 14 years equates to an average accumulation of approximately 8,533 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment. There are no extended gaps in the testing history beyond standard annual cycles, indicating the vehicle has been in continuous use rather than subjected to long periods off the road. This steady usage profile means wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension components is proportionate to the mileage covered, and the recurring advisories on coil springs and suspension linkages are consistent with the expected degradation curve for a Fiesta that has covered well over a hundred thousand miles on UK roads where corrosion is prevalent due to winter salt exposure. Given the recurring advisories on front suspension components, a prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the condition of the front axle swivel pins, bushes, and lower ball joints during a physical inspection and test drive. Listen for any clonks, knocking, or rattling from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps or uneven tarmac, and feel for vagueness or wandering in the steering, particularly over rougher surfaces where worn bushes would allow excess movement. Inspect the rear coil spring seats and the springs themselves for advanced surface corrosion, as the advisories in 2022 and 2023 noted corrosion on both sides, and check the rear fuel and brake pipework under the vehicle for any flaking, pitting, or live corrosion that could compromise integrity. The front brake system warrants close attention despite the clean recent advisories, given the dangerous pad wear failure in 2021. On a test drive, assess for any juddering through the brake pedal which would indicate warped front discs, and listen for grinding or squealing from the front calipers. Verify that the offside rear fog lamp and stop lamp, which failed in 2021, are functioning correctly, as lighting faults can reoccur. Additionally, examine the nearside and offside front tyres for uneven inner or outer shoulder wear, which was flagged in 2022 and 2023, as this often points to misaligned camber angles potentially caused by worn suspension components rather than simply old rubber.