2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LL11 YME

A repeating pattern of tyre structural failure and brake disc wear defines the mechanical story of this 2011 Ford Fiesta, with the most recent test on 2024-09-21 returning a clean pass but only after a serious dangerous tyre defect was caught at the 2023-08-11 inspection. At that earlier test, the nearside front tyre was recorded with cords exposed and a tear caused by structural separation, both categorised as dangerous, and the same visit flagged front brake discs as worn and pitted on both sides. Ten days later a re-test confirmed the brake discs remained advisory but the dangerous tyre issues were resolved, alongside advisories on a perished nearside rear tyre and an offside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge. Minor items at the 2023-08-14 test also captured a deteriorated nearside front CV joint boot and a severely deteriorated ball joint dust cover on the nearside front suspension arm, both of which warrant follow-up. The 2022 cycle showed a nearside rear wheel bearing with slight play noted as an advisory, followed by a fail for an insufficient windscreen washer before a clean re-pass. Against its age of roughly fifteen years, the recorded 97,152 miles equates to an annual accumulation of approximately 6,477 miles, which sits near the middle of the typical spectrum for a Fiesta of this vintage. The mileage progression between tests is consistent rather than erratic, and there are no extended gaps suggesting long periods off the road, which removes the usual concerns around seized brakes, perished fuel lines, or stale fluids that accompany multi-year lay-ups. That said, the mileage is sufficient to expect mid-life wear on consumable braking components, suspension bushes, and tyres, which is exactly the pattern that has surfaced on the MOT record. The fact that the front brake discs and tyres have been flagged in two consecutive years suggests these components are now on a shorter replacement cycle rather than being one-off anomalies. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection areas are the front brakes and the front tyres, particularly the nearside corner which has now generated a dangerous defect. On a test drive, listen for any rhythmic grinding or squeal from the front wheels that would indicate the pitted discs have progressed beyond the advisory state, and feel for brake judder through the pedal under firm stops, which would suggest disc run-out following uneven wear. Inspect the nearside front tyre sidewall very carefully for any bulges, cracks, or exposed cord, and check that the nearside rear tyre has been replaced, as perished rubber of that age typically worsens quickly. With the CV boot and ball joint cover both flagged as deteriorated, place your hand on the top of the front tyre while an assistant turns the wheel lock to lock, feeling for any clicking or roughness through the steering that would indicate a failing constant velocity joint, and rock the wheel vertically to detect play from the worn ball joint dust cover area. The 2022 advisory of slight play in the nearside rear wheel bearing should also be revisited, as unchecked wheel bearing wear typically progresses and can manifest as a humming or droning noise that changes with vehicle speed, often becoming more pronounced on a steady motorway run before fading away. Under the bonnet, confirm that the washer system has been properly rectified beyond the 2022 fail, and check the level and quality of the fluid during a physical inspection. Given the Fiesta's known vulnerability to corrosion on the rear axle and suspension subframe, particularly on earlier examples, request that the vehicle be placed on a ramp to inspect for any surface rust, flaking, or structural weakening around the rear beam, trailing arms, and brake pipe runs, as none of these areas have been specifically recorded in the DVSA data. Finally, budget for replacement of the front discs and a matching set of quality tyres as imminent maintenance items rather than optional upgrades.