2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FD61 CSZ

The most recent MOT inspection on 16 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but the vehicle shows a concerning trend of increasing advisories that suggest a gradual decline in mechanical maintenance. While the vehicle has avoided outright failures in the last twelve months, the cumulative list of advisory items is expanding, moving from isolated issues like wiper blades and single punctures to more complex structural and mechanical concerns. This pattern indicates that while the vehicle remains roadworthy in the short term, it is entering a phase of life where wear and tear on consumable components and suspension elements is accelerating, requiring more frequent and costly intervention to maintain compliance. With approximately 91,129 miles recorded over its fifteen-year lifespan, the vehicle has averaged roughly 6,075 miles per year. This is relatively low annual mileage, which often suggests the car has been used for short, local trips rather than sustained motorway driving. While lower mileage can preserve engine internals, it frequently leads to other issues such as moisture accumulation in the exhaust system, brake disc corrosion due to infrequent use, and the perishing of rubber components. The recorded history confirms this, with several advisories regarding tyre cracking and perishing, which are classic symptoms of a vehicle that spends significant time stationary or is used for short journeys that do not allow the chassis to reach optimal operating temperatures. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the braking and steering systems during a test drive. The recent advisories regarding worn, pitted, or scored front brake discs and thinning pads indicate that a full front brake overhaul is imminent. You should listen for any grinding noises during deceleration or feel for a pulsating sensation through the brake pedal, which would indicate warped discs. Furthermore, the advisory for play in the offside front steering rack inner joint is a significant concern; this can manifest as vague steering response, a knocking sound when turning the wheel at low speeds, or a wandering sensation on the road. The presence of wear in the rear axle swivel pins and bushes also suggests that the rear suspension geometry may be compromised, which could lead to uneven tyre wear and reduced stability during cornering. Suspension integrity remains a recurring theme in this vehicle's history, evidenced by multiple failures and advisories regarding fractured coil springs. Although the most recent test did not record a broken spring, the previous history of both nearside and offside failures suggests the suspension components are reaching the end of their reliable service life. During your inspection, check the coil springs for signs of heavy surface corrosion or thinning. Additionally, given the advisory regarding a worn nearside front tyre, you should inspect all four tyres for uneven tread wear or sidewall cracking, as the combination of steering rack play and worn suspension bushes will rapidly degrade new rubber. Ensure you verify the service history to confirm that fluids and rubber components have been replaced based on age rather than just mileage.