2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LD12 SOU

A consistently clean roadworthiness profile defines this 2012 Ford Fiesta, with eight recorded MOT tests between March 2019 and March 2026 all returning pass results and no advisories raised in any of the seven most recent examinations. The only recorded items across the entire history are a pair of tyre condition advisories logged on 4 March 2020, flagging slight damage, cracking, or perishing on both the nearside and offside front tyres. These were observations made at a single test rather than recurring defects, and the absence of any further advisories on tyres, suspension components, brake systems, exhaust integrity, or structural corrosion across the subsequent six years indicates no deteriorating trend has been captured by DVSA testing. The latest pass recorded on 4 March 2026 with no defects noted is consistent with this stable pattern. The vehicle presents an unusually low recorded mileage of 24,250 miles across approximately fourteen years, equating to an average annual accumulation of around 1,732 miles. This figure is well below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this age and class, and the MOT records show testing continuity throughout the period with no extended gaps that would suggest a prolonged period off the road. Mechanically, low annual mileage reduces wear on major drivetrain components, brake friction materials, and suspension assemblies, but it also raises the prospect of long-standing underuse, where items such as brake discs can develop surface corrosion from infrequent operation, rubber components can deteriorate through lack of regular flexing, and older fluids may be past their intended service life regardless of the low distance covered. Given the 2020 advisories on the front tyres, a prospective buyer should examine the current front pair carefully for signs of cracking in the sidewalls, uneven shoulder wear, or perishing between the tread blocks, particularly because tyres fitted in 2020 would normally have been replaced several times over by now but a low-mileage owner may have deferred replacement. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over speed bumps or rough tarmac, which would suggest worn drop links, anti-roll bar bushes, or strut top mount bearings that can deteriorate with age rather than mileage. Apply the brakes firmly at low speed to check for vibration through the pedal or steering, which can indicate corrosion on the front brake discs caused by extended periods of stationary use, and check that the handbrake holds the vehicle securely on an incline as rear drums or calipers can seize from infrequent operation. The Fiesta should also be evaluated for the typical age-related concerns not directly captured by MOT testing but relevant to a fourteen-year-old vehicle with limited use. Inspect the underside of the engine and around the oil filter housing for any signs of oil misting or weeping, as low running hours do not prevent gasket and seal hardening. Check the condition of all coolant and brake fluid reservoirs, as brake fluid is susceptible to moisture absorption over time and would benefit from replacement regardless of mileage. Finally, confirm that all interior electrical systems, including the infotainment unit, climate control, and central locking, function correctly, and ensure that the vehicle starts promptly without extended cranking, as a low-use car can suffer from battery degradation that may not be apparent during a short static inspection.