2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · DL14 HMK

The vehicle is currently roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a pattern of neglect regarding specific suspension components. While the most recent test in October 2025 at 122,355 miles passed, the advisory for a corroded nearside rear coil spring persists. This defect has appeared in three consecutive tests dating back to the failure in November 2023, indicating that the owner has de facto opted not to replace the part despite it being flagged by the tester over multiple years. At 122,355 miles over 12 years, the Fiesta has averaged approximately 10,200 miles per year, which aligns with typical national averages for a vehicle of this age. The record shows consistent mileage accumulation, with roughly 16,000 miles driven between October 2022 and October 2024, and another 13,000 miles leading into late 2025. This steady usage suggests the car is driven regularly rather than sitting for long periods, which generally prevents the degradation of rubber components and suspension bushings. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the rear suspension to assess the extent of the corrosion on the coil spring. If the rust has compromised the structural integrity of the spring, it remains a high risk for sudden failure. The 2023 failure for a worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint suggests that the front end components are subject to age-related wear, so a physical test should check for play in the steering geometry and excessive knocking to ensure no further mechanical issues have developed. The 2024 advisory regarding underbody covers hiding testable items is a point of concern for a physical inspection. These covers should be removed to inspect the chassis and mounting points for structural rust, as the surface corrosion noted on the coil spring is likely present elsewhere hidden underneath. Given the history of worn tyres in 2023, the current tyre set should also be evaluated for even wear to ensure the wheel alignment is not causing premature degradation.