2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FH61 ACY

A clean and unblemished MOT record has been maintained by this 2012 Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 8 January 2026 passing without a single advisory or defect recorded. This continues a strong pattern of roadworthiness stretching back to 2023, when the car also passed with a clean bill of health. The only blemish across this five-year window is a single advisery in 2024 noting light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, which has not reappeared or escalated in subsequent tests. One isolated failure did occur on the same day as the 2025 pass, when an offside headlamp was found not to be functioning on dipped beam; this was clearly a straightforward electrical rectification carried out immediately prior to the car passing its retest on the same date. Overall, the mechanical trajectory is one of stable and improving condition, with no escalating advisories and no structural, braking, or tyre-related concerns flagged. With 76,919 miles accumulated over approximately 14 years, this Fiesta has covered an average of around 5,500 miles annually, which is notably low for a vehicle of this vintage. Such modest usage typically points to a car used primarily for short urban journeys rather than long-distance commuting, a pattern that tends to keep wear on major drivetrain components well within their expected service life. The downside of low annual mileage is the potential for extended periods of standing, which can accelerate corrosion on brake discs and callipers through lack of regular use and place strain on ancillaries such as the 12-volt battery if the car is not routinely exercised. The mileage progression across the recorded tests appears consistent and free of any gaps or anomalies, suggesting the vehicle has been in steady use rather than off the road for prolonged stretches. Given the 2024 advisory concerning oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, particular attention should be paid to the rear suspension during any inspection. Light misting often precedes more significant seal failure, so on a test drive listen for any clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed bumps or potholes at low speed. A visible sheen of damp oil around the shock body or a build-up of grime attracting dust to that area would indicate the seal has deteriorated further. It is also worth bouncing each rear corner manually with the car stationary; if the bodywork continues to oscillate more than once or twice after being released, the damper may be losing its effectiveness. The headlamp failure recorded in January 2025, while minor, serves as a reminder to verify the operation of both dipped and main beam headlamps, all indicator functions, and the rear lighting cluster before purchase, as Fiesta headlamp connectors and bulbs can suffer from age-related corrosion. During a road test, pay particular attention to steering feel and front suspension response, as these are common wear points on higher-mileage Fiestas of this generation; any knocking from the front over bumps, vagueness through corners, or uneven tyre wear on the inner or outer shoulders could indicate worn suspension linkages or top mounts. Finally, because the car has seen relatively light use, inspect the brake discs closely for any sharp lip of corrosion around the outer edge, a common finding on low-mileage vehicles that have spent time stationary, and confirm the brake pedal feels firm and progressive on the first application.