2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · LR11 FYY

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 22 July 2026, but the inspection history reveals a concerning trend regarding the steering and rear suspension components. While the most recent result is a pass, the maintenance profile suggests a recurring and worsening issue with the steering system, which has been flagged as having free play or roughness consistently since at least 2020. Furthermore, the failure in August 2025 due to an excessively worn offside rear trailing arm mounting bush indicates that while specific major defects are being addressed, the underlying wear in the suspension and steering geometry is a persistent theme. The maintenance trend appears reactive rather than preventative, with multiple advisories regarding corrosion and component wear accumulating over several years. With 144,450 miles recorded over approximately 15 years, the vehicle has averaged roughly 9,630 miles per year. This is considered typical for a petrol-engine hatchback of this age and suggests a consistent usage pattern rather than long periods of standing or excessive high-speed motorway mileage. From a mechanical standpoint, this mileage level implies that major wear items such as the clutch, gearbox bearings, and various suspension bushes are likely approaching the end of their service life. The consistent mileage also means that components like the water pump, timing belt (if applicable), and various rubber seals have been subjected to regular thermal cycles and mechanical stress, necessitating a thorough check of the service history to ensure these critical intervals have been met. A prospective buyer must pay close attention to the steering and rear suspension during a test drive. The recurring advisories regarding steering rack free play and inner joint play suggest that the steering may feel vague, imprecise, or may produce a knocking sound when turning the wheel at low speeds or over bumps. You should listen for any clunking or knocking noises coming from the rear of the vehicle, which could indicate that the trailing arm bushes or axle swivel pins, previously flagged as worn or corroded, are failing again. Uneven tyre wear, particularly on the rear axle, is also a high probability if the suspension geometry is compromised by worn bushes or damaged coil springs. Beyond the recorded defects, the age of the vehicle necessitates a physical inspection of rubber components and fluid integrity. Check the tyre sidewalls for signs of perishing or cracking, as even with adequate tread, age-related degradation can lead to structural failure. Inspect the brake discs for heavy corrosion or scoring, and ensure the calipers are not binding, which can happen if the vehicle has been driven short distances frequently. Given the history of corrosion on the coil springs, it is vital to inspect the underside of the car for significant structural rust. Finally, verify that the service book contains evidence of regular oil changes and fluid replacements, as the age of the fluids is as critical as the mileage in preventing engine and hydraulic component failure.