2012 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · GD12 CFO

The most recent MOT, carried out on 2 June 2026, was passed but flagged two rear‑tyre advisories – a cut on the nearside rear tyre and edge‑wear on the offside rear tyre that is approaching the legal limit. Apart from these tyre notes the test was clean, and the preceding three years have shown a consistent pattern of passes with only advisory items. The lone failure in July 2021 related to front‑disc wear and a missing rear wheel fixing was rectified and has not recurred, indicating that the vehicle’s overall maintenance trajectory is stable, with wear items now being identified early rather than escalating to failures. At 158 249 miles the Fiesta has logged roughly 11 300 miles per annum over its 14‑year life, which sits squarely within the normal usage envelope for a small family car of this age. There are no obvious mileage spikes that would suggest periods of high‑stress driving, nor are there long gaps that might hint at prolonged storage. The mileage level means that consumables such as suspension bushings, shock absorbers, brake pads and discs, and drivetrain components are likely to be in the latter stages of their service life and should be inspected for wear, but the figure does not point to premature failure. The tyre advisories merit immediate attention – the cut on the nearside rear tyre, although not yet through the ply, is a potential source of a sudden loss of pressure, especially under load or at high speed. The offside rear tyre’s edge wear suggests uneven loading or mis‑alignment; a visual inspection for tread depth across the width, and a professional wheel‑alignment check, are advisable. The rear coil‑spring corrosion noted in 2022, while not a safety‑critical defect, can lead to reduced spring stiffness and altered ride height; a qualified suspension technician should probe the springs for cracks and assess the surrounding bushings. The slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint recorded in 2024 should be felt as a vague clunk when turning over bumps; any audible knock or steering wander indicates the joint may be nearing the end of its usable life and will need replacement. Front brake discs have been flagged repeatedly for wear and pitting – expect a slight pulsation or shudder when applying the brakes, especially at higher speeds, and verify disc thickness and surface condition; replacement of the discs and possibly the pads is likely due within the next few thousand miles. Beyond the recorded items, a buyer should conduct age‑related checks: examine all tyre sidewalls for cracking or dry‑rot, as rubber can perish after a decade even on low‑mileage cars. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and have the 12 V battery load‑tested, since prolonged standing can diminish capacity. Verify that engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals – fluid can degrade over time and lose its protective qualities. Look for any signs of rust on the wheel arches, sills and under‑body, especially around the rear suspension mounting points where the corroded springs were noted. Finally, confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, timing‑belt or chain service (if applicable), and that the nearside registration‑plate lamp now functions, as the 2022 advisory indicated it was inoperative. Addressing these points will give a clear picture of the Fiesta’s current roadworthiness and the imminent maintenance budget required.