2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · CP12 CWD

A 2012 Ford Fiesta with this MOT history presents a puzzling but ultimately uninformative mechanical picture. Across five recorded test events between June 2023 and July 2025, the vehicle shows no documented defects, advisories, or specific component failures, yet two of those entries are recorded as failures. This combination suggests the failures were likely administrative or related to items not carried forward as recorded defects in the summary, but the absence of any flagged components means there is no DVSA evidence to indicate which systems triggered the refusals. The most recent test on 2 July 2025 returned a clean pass with no advisories, mirroring the previous pass in July 2024 and giving the vehicle two consecutive clear outcomes. The overall trend is therefore stable on paper, but the unexplained failures warrant direct questioning of any seller about what remedial work was carried out between the failed and passed tests. Recorded mileage of 132,312 miles against a 14-year age equates to roughly 9,450 miles per year, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a Fiesta of this generation and suggests steady, moderate use rather than extremes of either low-mileage standing or high-mileage motorway accumulation. There are no unusual gaps between tests or sudden jumps in recorded odometer readings that would raise concerns about clocked mileage or extended periods off the road. Mechanically, this level of consistent annual usage generally keeps seals lubricated, prevents brake discs from corroding prematurely through disuse, and ensures the clutch and drivetrain have been worked regularly. However, 132,000 miles is a substantial figure for a small supermini, and consumable wear on suspension bushes, engine mounts, clutch release components, and exhaust hangers should be assumed rather than dismissed purely on the basis of clean MOT paperwork. Given the absence of flagged items in the MOT record, there are no specific components to target from the history, but the test drive itself becomes the primary tool for assessing this Fiesta. Listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension over speed humps and rough tarmac, particularly around the front lower arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and strut top mountings, all of which are common wear points on this platform at this mileage. On the move, pay attention to any pulling to one side under braking, which can indicate a binding caliper or a warped front disc, and feel for vibration through the steering wheel or brake pedal that suggests disc run-out. Check that the clutch take-up is consistent and that there is no slipping under load in fourth or fifth gear, as clutch replacement is a known cost on higher-mileage Fiestas of this era. Under the bonnet, look for any signs of oil misting or weeping from the cam cover gasket and the oil filter housing, both of which are common on the 1.25 and 1.4 petrol engines typically fitted to this model, and inspect the coolant expansion tank and radiator for staining that would indicate a past or current leak. From underneath, examine the exhaust system for corrosion around the front pipe joint and rear mounting rubbers, as a 14-year-old car with this mileage is likely approaching the end of its original exhaust life. Finally, ensure the dashboard displays no warning lights, particularly the airbag and engine management lamps, and confirm that the tyre tread depth is well above the legal minimum across the full width of each tyre, as even clean MOT results do not guarantee the car is being maintained to a high standard between annual tests.