2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · LT12 HLZ

A recurring pattern of tyre degradation and steering component wear defines the recent mechanical profile of this vehicle, as evidenced by the most recent MOT pass on 27 March 2026. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent pass record since 2019, the latest inspection introduced several advisories that suggest a shift toward more immediate maintenance requirements. Specifically, the transition from a clean record in 2024 and 2025 to multiple advisories in 2026 regarding tyre condition, tread wear, and steering rack play indicates that components are reaching the end of their serviceable life. The recorded mileage of 57,750 miles over approximately 14 years represents a low annual average of roughly 4,125 miles. This usage pattern suggests the vehicle has been driven infrequently, which can often lead to specific mechanical issues such as the perishing or cracking of rubber components like tyres and suspension bushes due to age rather than mileage. The presence of cracking and perishing on the nearside rear and offside rear tyres in the 2026 test supports the likelihood that the vehicle has experienced periods of limited use or long-term standing, which can accelerate the degradation of sidewalls and rubber compounds. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the steering and suspension during a test drive, given the advisory for play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. This should be assessed by feeling for any looseness, vagueness, or a wandering sensation through the steering wheel, particularly when navigating uneven road surfaces or performing low-speed manoeuvres. Additionally, the advisory regarding the juddering of the front aero wiper blades and the various tyre advisories, including uneven wear on the inner edges, suggests a need to inspect the wheel alignment and tracking. Any pulling to one side or unevenness in the steering feel could indicate that the suspension geometry requires adjustment or that the steering rack issue is impacting tyre longevity. The history of tyre advisories, ranging from thin tread and edge wear in 2023 to cracking and offshape treads in 2026, necessitates a thorough physical inspection of all four tyres. Beyond checking the remaining tread depth, look for signs of bulging or significant sidewall cracking which may indicate structural weakness from age. The previous advisory regarding light oil misting from the nearside rear shock absorber in 2020 should also be re-evaluated to ensure the component has not developed a more significant leak or lost its damping effectiveness, which would manifest as excessive bouncing or instability over bumps.