2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · GL11 GGP

The most recent MOT, conducted on 3 February 2026 at 155,716 miles, resulted in a pass, yet the record reveals a vehicle that is only just meeting minimum standards rather than demonstrating sound mechanical health. The tester flagged an oil leak, play in the steering rack inner joints, three slightly distorted road wheels, and rear brakes that only just met the imbalance threshold. This pattern suggests a maintenance trend that is stable but deteriorating at the margins. The car is being kept on the road rather than being actively maintained, with minor defects accumulating between tests rather than being permanently resolved. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a 2011 Fiesta, averaging roughly 10,381 miles per year. Between the January 2024 failure at 151,697 miles and the February 2026 pass at 155,716 miles, the car covered approximately 4,019 miles over two years, indicating a drop in annual usage from around 10,000 miles to roughly 2,000 miles. This lower recent mileage may explain the reduced wear on consumables, but it also raises the question of prolonged standing, which can cause brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, and moisture ingress into electrical connectors. The gap between the 2024 and 2026 tests is a full two years, which is unusual for a vehicle of this age and may reflect a period of limited use or a lapsed test followed by a retest. The January 2024 failure is the most technically significant entry in the record. Both front coil springs were fractured or broken, the nearside lower suspension arm ball joint was excessively worn, and the rear coil spring showed corrosion. Fractured coil springs on a Fiesta of this age are a known concern, but the fact that both fronts failed simultaneously points to a batch defect or sustained neglect. A buyer should physically inspect the replacement springs for correct specification and check the suspension strut tops and dampers for oil misting or bounce. The corroded rear coil spring noted in 2024 was not flagged in 2026, which may indicate replacement, but the underbody and rear subframe mounting points should still be examined for section loss, particularly around the spring seats and bump stops. The recurring advisories on distorted road wheels across both 2025 tests and the 2026 test suggest the owner has not addressed a fundamental issue, likely impact damage from potholes or kerbing. Distorted wheels can cause tyre sidewall damage, uneven wear, and vibration through the steering. The rear brake imbalance noted in 2026, combined with the fluctuating service brake readings in 2024, points to sticking calipers, uneven disc wear, or a failing rear wheel cylinder. A buyer should request a brake inspection with the rear drums or discs removed, check the handbrake cables for free movement, and verify that the brake compensator is functioning. The oil leak flagged in 2026, while not yet excessive, warrants investigation at the rocker cover gasket, crankshaft oil seal, and gearbox output seal, as oil contamination can degrade rubber bushings and brake components over time.