2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ES 1204

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance trend shows a persistent failure to address recurring mechanical defects. In the most recent test in November 2025 at 12,970 miles, the car passed with multiple advisories including steering rack play, a distorted wheel, and perishing tyres. The continued presence of the offside front steering rack inner joint play across every annual test since 2020 indicates a pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance regarding steering components. The mileage pattern is exceptionally low for a 15-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 865 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between 2019 and 2020, where the car covered only 1,868 miles in a year. While this low mileage suggests minimal wear on the engine and drivetrain, it directly correlates with the degradation of rubber-based components. The perishing of the nearside tyre in 2024 and 2025 is a classic symptom of a vehicle sitting for long periods rather than being driven. A buyer must personally inspect the steering system thoroughly, as the offside front steering rack inner joints have been flagged for six consecutive years without resolution. This persistent fault can lead to poor handling and uneven tyre wear. The distorted nearside front road wheel first noted in 2019 and persisting through now should be checked for cracks or structural bends that could compromise safety at higher speeds. Given the low usage, the inspection should also focus on brake corrosion on the discs and seized calipers, which often occur when vehicles remain stationary. The damaged offside wing mirror and recurring wiper blade issues are minor cosmetic and functional concerns, but the ongoing steering and wheel advisories suggest the previous owner has only prioritised passing the MOT rather than repairing underlying mechanical faults.