2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LB11 HSF

The defining mechanical concern in this 2011 Ford Fiesta's record is a serious front brake failure in late 2023, where both front discs were classified as dangerously weakened and the pads were below 1.5 mm, resulting in three dangerous defects and a failed test on 2023-11-17. Following that test, the 2024-11-26 examination passed with no advisories, indicating the brake system was rectified, though the absence of any recorded advisories on the front brakes a year after such a significant failure is a point worth scrutinising. The latest test on 2025-11-17 passed with advisories only for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on the edges, suggesting inner or outer shoulder wear consistent with a tracking or suspension geometry issue. Earlier advisories in 2021 and 2023 already flagged front brake disc wear and pad thinning, establishing a clear pattern of front-end friction material and disc attention that a buyer should not assume has been permanently resolved simply because the most recent test came back clean. The recorded mileage of 65,271 miles over fifteen years equates to an average of roughly 4,350 miles per year, which is substantially below typical annual mileage for a car of this age and class. The MOT history begins in 2020, meaning the first nine years of the vehicle's life carry no recorded test data, and the gap between the 2020 and 2021 tests is normal, but the repeated testing within November 2023 (failed on the 17th, passed on the 20th) shows a quick turnaround after the brake repair. Low annual mileage in a Fiesta of this vintage generally means less wear on the engine, clutch, and drivetrain internals, but it can also mean longer periods of standing, which is relevant given the failure items: perished rubber bushes, dried brake fluid, and seized caliper slide pins are all common consequences of irregular use on a supermini. The advisory recorded in January 2023 for a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel is consistent with kerbing damage rather than a mileage-driven issue. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas are the front braking system and the front suspension geometry. The pattern of front brake pad and disc advisories from 2021 through 2023, culminating in a dangerous failure, means the discs and calipers should be physically examined for residual run-out, lipping, and smooth operation of the caliper sliders. Ask for documentation of what was actually replaced after the 2023 failure, as a like-for-like disc and pad change does not address sticking pistons or perished guide pins. On test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding on light brake application and feel for a soft or spongy pedal, brake pull to one side, or vibration through the steering wheel under braking, all of which would indicate the repair was insufficient. The steering rack advisory from January 2023 noted slight free play at the wheel, which on a Mk6/7 Fiesta commonly points to worn inner track rod ends or rack mounting bushes, so check for knocking over uneven surfaces and any excess play before committing. The tyre wear pattern flagged on both front edges in the latest test should also be investigated rather than simply resolved with new rubber. Edge wear on both sides typically indicates incorrect camber or toe settings, and on a 15-year-old Fiesta this can stem from worn front wishbone bushes, droplinks, or bottom arm ball joints. Jack the car and rock each front wheel at the three and nine o'clock positions to detect play in the wheel bearings or track rod ends, and visually inspect the lower suspension arms for cracking or perishing rubber. Given the headlamp insecure and aim issues recorded in 2023, check that both front lamps are firmly seated and that the adjustment is within tolerance, as the plastic adjusters on these models become brittle. Finally, the low-mileage context warrants a thorough check of items that degrade with age rather than use, including coolant strength, brake fluid condition, and the condition of the underbody and subframe for any surface corrosion that could become a future failure point.