2014 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · HF64 XJM

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history shows a worsening trend regarding deferred mechanical repairs and recurring wear. While the most recent test in September 2025 at 66,015 miles passed, it introduced new issues including offside inner steering rack play and an oil leak from the drive shaft seal. These faults follow a pattern of steering component degradation noted in previous years, indicating that the owner is addressing components only upon failure rather than performing preventative maintenance. At 66,015 miles, this 12-year-old Fiesta has covered an average of approximately 5,500 miles per year. The data shows consistent annual usage, with roughly 3,600 miles driven between the August 2024 and September 2025 tests. This low mileage often correlates with less mechanical wear on drivetrain components, but it frequently leads to the degradation of rubber seals and accelerated oxidation of metal surfaces, which is evidenced by the persistent corrosion on the suspension assembly over the last four years. A buyer must prioritize an inspection of the rear suspension, as both lower coil springs have been flagged for corrosion annually since the 2022 test at 58,706 miles. The persistence of this issue suggests the springs are nearing the end of structural life. The steering rack inner joints also require close scrutiny, as the tester flagged free play in both 2024 and 2025, which will eventually lead to steering instability and uneven tyre wear if not replaced. The reported oil leak from the offside front drive shaft seal needs physical verification to ensure it is not progressing beyond a minor seepage. The recent record also notes both front tyres at the legal limit with signs of edge wear, which likely indicates an alignment issue caused by the worn steering rack components. Given the recurring nature of these mechanical faults, a thorough check of the underbody and steering geometry is essential before purchase.