2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · KY04 RLY

The most recent MOT on 14 August 2026 was passed, but it carried two advisories – a light misting of oil from the near‑side front shock absorber and a restriction on inspecting the adult seat belt due to a rear child seat. Over the preceding three years the pattern has been mixed: 2025 showed oil mist from the rear shock and slight play in both front and rear suspension arm ball joints; 2024 highlighted tyre tread close to the legal limit on both front wheels and a deteriorating front registration plate; 2023 recorded a single failure for an off‑side rear stop lamp and otherwise a clean test. The recurrence of shock‑absorber oil mist and ball‑joint play suggests a gradual deterioration of the front suspension, while tyre wear and the lighting fault appear to have been addressed. Overall the maintenance trend is stable in that no catastrophic failures have emerged, but there is a clear, slowly worsening wear pattern in the suspension components that will likely require remedial work soon. At 171,083 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 12,200 miles per year, which is well above the typical 8,000‑10,000 mile annual usage for a vehicle of this age. The high mileage indicates extensive wear on consumables such as tyres, brake pads, and clutch components, and it also suggests that the engine and transmission have been subjected to considerable load cycles. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage, implying continuous use rather than long periods of storage; therefore age‑related degradation of rubber and fluid seals is expected to be advanced. Prospective buyers should be aware that components designed for lower mileage may be nearing the end of their service life and that the cost of replacement parts could be significant. When inspecting the vehicle, give particular attention to the front suspension. Feel for any looseness or clunking when applying pressure to the wheel at the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock positions, and listen for metallic creaks during cornering – both are indicative of ball‑joint wear that the MOT advisories flagged as “slight play”. Examine the shock absorbers for any visible oil seepage around the mountings and check for uneven tyre wear, especially on the inner edges, which may confirm the earlier tyre tread advisory. A test‑drive should reveal any shuddering or reduced damping in the front, especially over bumps, and any wandering or vague steering response that could point to deteriorating bushings or ball joints. Verify that the rear stop lamp now functions correctly, and inspect the rear light housing for corrosion that could have caused the previous failure. Given the vehicle’s age and mileage, a thorough condition check of time‑sensitive items is essential. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or bulging, as ageing rubber can fail even if tread depth appears acceptable. Examine the 12 V battery for sulphation and confirm it holds charge under load; a battery older than five years often needs replacement. Check all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and look for signs of contamination or sediment, as fluids degrade over calendar time regardless of mileage. Finally, assess the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding; standing for long periods can cause pistons to seize. Addressing these items before purchase will give a clearer picture of the Fiesta’s remaining service life and help avoid unexpected breakdowns.