2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · JE55 SCD

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding structural and suspension corrosion. While it passed its most recent test in January 2026 at 87,828 miles, the tester identified corrosion on both the front sub-frame and a modified rear sub-frame. Although these components were not classified as seriously weakened, the presence of rust on multiple structural points, combined with corroded rear coil springs, suggests that the vehicle is beginning to suffer from environmental degradation typical of its age. The mileage pattern is consistent with a fourteen-year-old car, averaging approximately 6,200 miles per year. The record shows steady progression from 75,791 miles in early 2023 to 87,828 miles in early 2026. This low annual usage explains the recurring issues with rubber components, such as the perishing and cracking tyres noted in 2023 and 2025, which often indicates the car sits for long periods, leading to dry-rot rather than purely mechanical wear. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the undercarriage to assess if the corrosion on the sub-frames has progressed beyond the advisory stage. The history shows a corroded brake pipe from January 2024 that was found covered in grease, which can sometimes indicate an attempt to hide leaks or rust from a tester. Additionally, the misting on the nearside rear shock absorber reported in 2025 should be checked for active leaks, as the recurring nature of suspension-related faults suggests the entire assembly may be nearing the end of functional life.