2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LL11 CVD

The 2011 Ford Fiesta has passed its most recent MOT in November 2025, but the maintenance trend over the past three years shows a clear decline in structural and mechanical health. While the vehicle successfully passed its latest test, the history reveals a pattern of recurring failures related to suspension components, specifically fractured coil springs and deteriorating rear axle bushes. The frequent appearance of advisories concerning corrosion on coil spring mountings and sub-frame bushes suggests that the vehicle is suffering from age-related degradation of its chassis components. A prospective buyer should view the recent MOT history as a warning that the vehicle is entering a phase where significant suspension and steering maintenance will be required to maintain roadworthiness. With a recorded mileage of 89,506 miles over fifteen years, the vehicle averages approximately 5,967 miles per annum, which is relatively low for a car of this age. While low mileage can sometimes indicate a well-preserved vehicle, in this instance, it appears to correlate with a period of neglect or infrequent maintenance, as evidenced by the repeated advisories for tyre perishing and structural corrosion. Low-mileage vehicles that sit for extended periods are highly susceptible to seized brake calipers, perished rubber components, and internal engine sludge if oil changes were neglected. You should verify the service history to ensure that the engine oil and coolant have been replaced based on time intervals rather than just mileage, as fluids degrade chemically regardless of how little the car has been driven. During your test drive, pay close attention to the suspension performance. The history of fractured coil springs and perished rear axle bushes means you should listen for any clunking, knocking, or rattling noises when driving over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces. A distorted offside front road wheel, which has been flagged as an advisory for several years, may cause steering wheel vibration at higher speeds or uneven tyre wear. Ensure you check the steering for any play or vagueness, as the previous failure regarding the steering rack gaiter indicates that the steering system has been exposed to the elements, which can lead to premature wear of the rack internals. Finally, conduct a thorough physical inspection of the tyres and brakes. The persistent advisory regarding offside rear tyre cracking is a significant safety concern; rubber perishing from age can lead to sidewall failure, and you should budget for an immediate replacement of the tyres if they show signs of dry rot or deep cracking. Inspect the brake discs for heavy surface corrosion or pitting, which is a common symptom of a car that has spent significant time standing idle. If the brake pedal feels spongy or if the vehicle pulls to one side under braking, it is highly likely that the calipers are binding or the brake fluid is contaminated. Given the recurring advisories for corrosion on the sub-frame and spring mountings, a professional ramp inspection is strongly recommended to assess the extent of structural rust before committing to a purchase.