2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · DA12 MLJ

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance profile with a recent shift toward suspension wear. The most recent test on 13 August 2025 at 24,140 miles passed, but the tester flagged slightly worn axle swivel pins and bushes on both the nearside and offside rear axles. This follows a clean pass in August 2024 at 23,626 miles, which was only achieved after a brief failure due to a defective offside rear direction indicator lens. While the vehicle is currently roadworthy, the recurring nature of suspension component degradation suggests a gradual decline in the integrity of the chassis components. The mileage history indicates extremely low usage for a 2012 model, averaging approximately 1,724 miles per year. The recorded distance grew from 21,832 miles in September 2022 to 24,140 miles in August 2025. This low annual mileage often implies the vehicle spends significant periods stationary. Such usage patterns frequently lead to the degradation of rubber components and tyres through perishing rather than mechanical wear. The August 2023 test at 22,826 miles explicitly noted cracking and perishing on both front tyres, which aligns with this pattern of long-term standing. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the suspension and chassis. The MOT history shows a persistent issue with corrosion on all four lower coil springs, first noted in September 2022 and continuing through the August 2023 test. Although no specific coil spring failures were recorded in the 2024 or 2025 tests, the previous presence of widespread corrosion warrants a physical check for structural rust or further degradation. The recent advisories regarding axle bushes indicate that the rubber components in the rear suspension are beginning to fail. Beyond the suspension, the buyer must examine the condition of all tyres for age-related cracking, as the low mileage does not guarantee fresh rubber. The history of deteriorating registration plates and indicator lenses suggests that external trim and light housings may also suffer from environmental exposure. While the mechanical drivetrain appears to have been under minimal load, the primary risks involve the ageing rubber bushings and the potential for hidden corrosion on the spring assemblies.