2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · FL12 AOV

The 2012 Ford Fiesta’s most recent MOT tests—conducted just over a year ago on 2025-07-24—show an unusual but technically clean record. Despite two tests on the same day yielding one pass and one fail (both at 78,736 miles), no defects were recorded, suggesting either a minor administrative anomaly or a tester’s oversight rather than a mechanical issue. The preceding tests in 2024, 2023, and 2022 all passed without failings, indicating a stable maintenance history where no recurring faults have been formally documented. However, the lack of advisories or defects across five consecutive tests does not guarantee current reliability—it merely confirms the vehicle met the minimum DVSA standards at each inspection. The recorded mileage of 78,736 miles over 14 years suggests unusually light use, averaging just 5,624 miles annually. This could imply the vehicle has spent extended periods stationary, which may accelerate certain forms of degradation, such as suspension corrosion or brake fluid degradation. Notably, there are no gaps in MOT history, but the consistency of low mileage raises questions about whether the car was regularly driven or stored. The 2024 test at 73,147 miles—just 5,296 miles in a year—followed by another 3,593 miles by 2025, reinforces this pattern. While low mileage generally reduces wear on high-stress components like engines or transmissions, it does not preclude issues like seized suspension joints or degraded rubber hoses if the car was left unused for prolonged periods. Given the absence of documented faults, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of components that often fail silently or degrade over time without MOT failings. Focus on the suspension—check for worn or cracked bushes, corroded coil springs, and binding steering or suspension linkages, as these can develop without immediate MOT consequences. The brakes, though not failed, should be examined for uneven wear, glazed linings, or warped discs, especially if the car has been infrequently driven. Corrosion is another critical area; inspect the sills, wheel arches, and underbody for rust that could compromise structural integrity. Finally, verify the condition of the exhaust system, particularly at joints and mounts, as leaks or detachment risks are not always caught in a standard MOT. The lack of advisories in past tests does not mean these areas are flawless—only that they passed the minimum visual and functional checks at the time.