2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LP61 HLA

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 14 October 2024, although this followed a failure just four days prior. The overall maintenance trend suggests a gradual decline in mechanical condition rather than a stable state of upkeep. There is a persistent pattern of recurring advisories and failures related to the suspension and engine seals, indicating that defects have frequently been noted but not proactively rectified until they reached the threshold of a critical failure. With a recorded mileage of 101,236 miles over approximately 14 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 7,231 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a small hatchback of this vintage. While the mileage is not excessive, it is high enough that the drivetrain and chassis components have undergone significant wear cycles, meaning the buyer should expect the natural end-of-life for several original consumables and rubber components. A primary concern is the recurring oil leak noted in multiple tests since 2021. During a physical inspection, you must examine the engine bay and the underside of the sump for active seepage or staining. Additionally, the suspension history is problematic, with long-term corrosion of the rear coil springs and oil misting from the offside rear shock absorber, eventually leading to a fractured nearside front spring in 2024. During a test drive, listen for metallic clunks or knocks when traversing uneven surfaces and check the tyres for uneven wear patterns, which would suggest remaining alignment or damping issues. Attention should also be paid to the braking system and electrical components. Previous advisories for worn front brake discs suggest they may be nearing the end of their service life; check for a prominent lip on the disc edge or shuddering under braking. The recent failures regarding the hazard switch and various stop lamps indicate a potential for intermittent electrical faults. Ensure all exterior lighting is fully operational and verify that the engine management light remains extinguished, given the previous major failure in 2019. Finally, review the service history to ensure the oil leak and suspension repairs were carried out by a qualified technician.