2012 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · FD12 MBV

The most recent MOT, dated 1 April 2026, was recorded as a pass but was accompanied by several advisories concerning corroded central fuel lines, corroded front brake pipes and a front sub‑frame showing early corrosion. The preceding test, just one day earlier, resulted in a failure for excessive corrosion on both rear suspension mounting points, a serious structural defect. Over the past four years the record alternates between clean passes and increasingly frequent corrosion‑related advisories, indicating a maintenance trend that is deteriorating rather than stabilising, especially in the chassis and under‑body areas. At 153,327 miles the Fiesta averages just under 11,000 miles per annum, which is typical for a fourteen‑year‑old vehicle. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest long periods of inactivity, so the wear on consumables is consistent with its age and usage. The mileage level places the car well into the high‑wear bracket for components such as suspension bushings, engine mounts, brake discs and tyre tread, meaning that many wear items are likely approaching the end of their service life. A prospective buyer should give the rear suspension mounting points and the associated outer sill a thorough visual inspection for rust penetration, especially where the MOT noted “excessively corroded” areas marked in blue chalk. Any sign of flaking, pitting or loss of metal thickness may require panel replacement or reinforcement before the vehicle can be considered safe for high‑speed travel. The corroded central fuel lines and front brake pipes should be examined for signs of leakage, rust streaks or brittle sections; a fuel smell, dampness around the pipework or a spongy brake pedal could indicate imminent failure. The front sub‑frame corrosion, while not yet structurally compromised, should be probed for any cracking or weakening, and the steering rack inner joints, noted for play, must be checked for looseness that could cause steering wander or a clunk when turning. On a test drive listen for metallic clunks from the rear corners when traversing bumps, feel for any looseness in the steering, and monitor the brakes for shudder, uneven pull or reduced pedal firmness, all of which would corroborate the recorded defects. Given the vehicle’s age, additional checks are prudent regardless of the MOT record. Inspect all four tyre sidewalls for dry‑rot, cracking or hardening, as ageing rubber can fail even if tread depth appears adequate; replace the tyre set if any signs of perishing are evident. Verify the 12‑volt battery’s cranking performance and check for corrosion on the terminals, as prolonged standing can degrade charge capacity. Examine brake discs for surface rust, scoring or excessive thickness variation that could cause vibration, and ensure that the brake fluid has been replaced within the last two years to avoid moisture‑induced boiling. Finally, confirm that regular service stamps are present in the service book, with oil and filter changes documented at appropriate intervals, and consider a full fluid flush (coolant, gearbox, power‑steering) if the vehicle has been predominantly used for short trips or has been idle for extended periods.