2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · EN12 HWD

The 2012 Ford Fiesta holds a valid MOT pass certificate dated 14 August 2025 at 71,871 miles, expiring on 13 August 2026. The maintenance trend over the past three years is broadly improving, though the most recent test reveals a pattern of deferred minor work rather than a fully proactive upkeep cycle. The August 2025 failure identified five distinct defects, including excessively worn nearside front suspension arm and track rod end ball joints, both critical steering and suspension components. The same test also flagged all four tyres for wear or perishing and a minor rear exhaust leak at the back box. The subsequent pass on the same day at the identical mileage confirms these items were rectified, but the failure itself suggests the car was presented in a condition that required significant last-minute attention. The mileage progression tells a story of very light use. Between the August 2023 test at 62,356 miles and the August 2024 test at 68,070 miles, the car covered 5,714 miles in twelve months. From August 2024 to August 2025, it added just 3,801 miles, bringing the total to 71,871. Over its fourteen-year life, the average sits at roughly 5,134 miles per year, well below the typical UK annual figure of around 8,000 miles. The mileage record is clean with no gaps or implausible jumps, and the steady accumulation supports the reading as genuine. Low annual mileage can reduce wear on drivetrain and braking components, but it also means the car may have spent extended periods stationary, which accelerates rubber deterioration, corrosion, and tyre sidewall perishing, exactly the kind of defects the record shows. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering linkage. The August 2025 failure flagged both the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and the nearside track rod end as excessively worn, while the August 2024 failure highlighted both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. These recurring front-end wear items suggest the car has been driven on rough surfaces or has aged components that were not replaced preventatively. Check for uneven tyre wear, clunking over bumps, and any play in the steering wheel. The rear axle bushes also warrant attention. The August 2023 advisory noted slightly worn rear axle swivel pin bushes, and by August 2024 these had deteriorated to the point of failure on both sides before being replaced ahead of the pass. Inspect the rear underside for fresh bush replacements and any signs of corrosion on the axle beam or subframe mounting points. The exhaust system and tyres round out the inspection priorities. The rear back box was leaking exhaust gases in August 2025, and while this was fixed, a physical check should confirm the integrity of the full exhaust, particularly around joints and the rear silencer for corrosion. All four tyres were flagged in the most recent failure for wear or perishing, indicating either neglect or age-related degradation from the car sitting idle. Verify the date codes on the current tyres and look for sidewall cracking. The August 2024 failure also included stop lamp electrical faults, so a full lighting and electrical check is advisable, including earth connections and wiring condition behind the rear light units. Overall, the car presents as a low-mileage example with a clean MOT record trajectory, but the nature of its recent failures points to a vehicle that has needed repeated remedial work on safety-critical components rather than consistent preventative maintenance.