2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · DE61 SVC

The 2012 Ford Fiesta presents a generally stable mechanical condition, though the most recent MOT test on 2026-02-04 at 68,991 miles reveals an unresolved minor exhaust leak. The maintenance trend remains steady rather than worsening, characterized by a pattern of minor advisories rather than major structural failures. The tester flagged a rear exhaust gas leak, which requires prompt attention to prevent worsening corrosion or emissions failures. While the vehicle passed this recent assessment, the presence of this leak indicates a developing fault that a buyer must evaluate immediately. With 68,991 miles recorded across fourteen years, the Fiesta has covered roughly 4,928 miles annually, marking it as a low-mileage example. The mileage progression shows an unusual gap, jumping 5,026 miles between August 2023 at 58,362 miles and September 2024 at 63,965 miles, before barely increasing to 68,991 miles by February 2026. This minimal recent accumulation suggests the vehicle may have stood for extended periods. Prolonged standing often leads to flat-spotted tyres and dried-out rubber, which directly correlates with the recurring advisories noted in the record. A buyer should inspect the nearside rear tyre closely, as cracking appeared in August 2023, again in September 2024, and likely persists if the tyre has not been replaced. Degraded rubber poses a genuine risk of blowouts, regardless of remaining tread depth. The front brake pads were noted as wearing thin in September 2024; checking whether these have been renewed or if the discs suffer from lipping is prudent. The nearside front headlamp main beam failure from the September 2024 fail was rectified for the pass, but verifying the bulb's secure connection remains wise. The rear exhaust system demands a thorough physical inspection to pinpoint the source of the minor gas leak flagged in February 2026. Corrosion around the rear box or a failing seam typically causes such leaks, and repairs can escalate quickly if ignored. Suspension components and subframe mounts also warrant a close visual check, as low-mileage vehicles that sit idle often suffer from perished bushes or surface rust that high-mileage cars naturally shed through regular use. Overall, the mechanical history is clean, but the recurring tyre degradation and fresh exhaust leak demand immediate practical verification.