2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · CV11 HVD

The most recent MOT, carried out on 10 October 2025, was passed but returned an advisory that the exhaust flexi pipe is worn. Over the last six years the vehicle has moved from a serious failure in September 2024 – involving incorrect headlamp aim, dangerously low tread on the off‑side front and rear tyres and a non‑functional rear fog lamp – to a clean pass in 2023 and a largely clean pass in 2025. Earlier failures in 2021 and 2022 related to a severely weakened off‑side front coil spring and corrosion of both coil springs have not re‑appeared as failures, suggesting that any remedial work undertaken has at least halted the most critical defects. The overall maintenance trend can therefore be described as stabilising after a period of significant issues, but the presence of several recurring advisories means that vigilance is still required. At 142,834 mi the Fiesta averages roughly 9,500 mi per year, which is typical for a fifteen‑year‑old small family car. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would indicate long periods of storage, nor any spikes that would suggest unusually heavy use. The mileage level places the vehicle well into the wear zone for consumables such as tyre rubber, suspension bushings, brake pads and fluid seals, so age‑related degradation should be expected even if the annual mileage has been moderate. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the tyre condition. The off‑side tyres were below the legal minimum in 2024 and the near‑side rear tyre was flagged as close to the limit; confirm that all four tyres now have at least 1.6 mm tread and that the sidewalls are free of cracking, bulges or age‑related perishing, especially if the tyres are older than three years. Check the headlamp alignment and lens clarity on both sides – any hazing, yellowing or mis‑aim will affect night‑time visibility and may require re‑aiming or replacement of the units. Verify that the rear fog lamp illuminates correctly, as it was previously non‑functional. Examine the exhaust flexi pipe for signs of cracking or excessive movement, which can lead to exhaust leaks and increased noise. Inspect the suspension for any play in the coil springs, especially at the front off‑side where a major weakness was recorded, and look for corrosion or deterioration of the spring mounts and surrounding bushings; listen for clunks or rattles over bumps. The near‑side front wheel was noted as slightly distorted in 2020 – spin the wheel to ensure it runs true and check for vibration at speed, which could indicate rim damage or bent spokes. Beyond the specific MOT items, conduct the usual age‑related checks on a fifteen‑year‑old vehicle. Test the 12 V battery voltage and assess its ability to hold charge, as batteries tend to lose capacity after five to seven years even with low mileage. Drain and replace the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid if service stamps are missing or if the fluids appear dark, since time‑based degradation can lead to reduced lubrication and corrosion of internal components. Look for any signs of rust on the chassis, wheel arches and under‑body, particularly around the suspension mounting points where standing water can accelerate corrosion. Finally, verify that the service history is complete and that any major components flagged in the MOT – notably the coil springs and headlamps – have been repaired or replaced, and ask the seller for receipts or invoices to confirm the work was carried out to a proper standard.