2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LL12 OLM

The dominant narrative emerging from the MOT record is one of recurring safety‑critical defects, particularly around tyre integrity, drivetrain protection and suspension wear, rather than a clean, uneventful service history. In the most recent test on 22 December 2023 the car passed but retained an advisory for a modest oil leak, while just two days earlier a failure was recorded for a split CV boot, three tyre tears and a non‑functioning rear stop lamp – all classified as dangerous or major defects. Earlier years show a similar pattern with a major ball‑joint wear warning in 2020 and repeated tyre‑related advisories in 2019, indicating that the vehicle has required frequent corrective work on components that directly affect road safety. At 71,263 mi the average annual accumulation works out to roughly 5,100 mi per year, which is low for a 2012 model. The mileage suggests relatively light use, yet the age of the car means that rubber and elastomeric parts such as tyres, CV boots and shock absorber seals are likely to have deteriorated irrespective of distance travelled. The MOT chronology shows no long gaps in testing, implying the vehicle has been kept on the road consistently, but the low mileage combined with the age‑related failures points to the need for age‑related component replacement rather than mileage‑driven wear alone. Prospective buyers should inspect the tyre condition closely; the three tyre tears recorded in December 2023 indicate that the current set is beyond safe service limits and must be replaced before any further use. The split off‑side front CV boot will have allowed dirt ingress, so the CV joint should be examined for clicking or vibration under acceleration and, if any play is felt, the boot and joint should be rebuilt or fitted anew. The rear stop lamp failure is a simple electrical fix but must be rectified to meet legal lighting requirements. The oil leak advisory, while not classified as excessive, warrants locating the source – whether a valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or other seal – and confirming that the leak does not threaten the engine oil level or create fire‑hazard spots under the vehicle. Additional attention should be given to the suspension and safety systems flagged in earlier tests. The near‑side front lower ball‑joint wear noted in 2020 may now be approaching the end of its service life; any looseness, clunking over bumps or uneven tyre wear should be investigated and the joint replaced if necessary. Light oil misting from the off‑side rear shock absorber suggests internal seal degradation, which can lead to reduced damping and compromised ride quality; a visual inspection for oil on the shock body and a bounce test are advisable. Finally, the recurring supplementary restraint system (SRS) warning lamp indicates a fault that could affect airbag deployment; a diagnostic scan by a qualified technician is essential to identify and rectify the underlying issue before the car is relied upon for occupant protection. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection covering these items will give a realistic picture of the remedial work required to bring the Fiesta to a safe, road‑worthy condition.