2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MA11 FAF

The most recent MOT recorded against this 2011 Ford Fiesta is a pass dated 14 March 2026 with no defects recorded, however a failed test was logged on the same day immediately prior to that pass. The failure carried two major defects, an offside front shock absorber with a serious fluid leak and an offside front track rod end ball joint with excessive play, together with an advisory for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on the edge. Looking at the broader history, the 2023 and 2025 tests passed without recorded defects, while the 2024 test issued advisories for rear tyre wear, rear tyre perishing and corrosion on both rear coil springs. The presence of major structural and suspension failures at the most recent test, even though rectified before a pass was issued, suggests a vehicle whose front suspension and steering components are reaching a stage of active deterioration rather than stable condition, and a prospective buyer should treat the maintenance trend as worsening rather than consistent. With 91,348 miles recorded over approximately fifteen years, this Fiesta has averaged around 6,090 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and indicates regular rather than standing use. There are no extended gaps in the MOT record that would imply long periods of inactivity, nor any obvious spikes that would point to sustained high mileage driving. The even annual accumulation means consumable wear such as braking components, tyres and suspension bushes should be proportionate to mileage, but the recorded defects already indicate that age-related deterioration of the underpinnings is now beginning to assert itself ahead of what the odometer alone would suggest. Given the major failures for the offside front shock absorber and track rod end ball joint, these items must be confirmed as professionally replaced with quality components rather than pattern parts of dubious origin, and the associated geometry should have been checked and a four-wheel alignment carried out post-repair. On a test drive, listen for any remaining clonks or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, feel for vibration or wandering through the steering wheel which may indicate the tracking has not been properly set, and pay particular attention to the offside front tyre for inner or outer edge wear, as a premature shoulder wear pattern would suggest the replacement track rod end has not cured the underlying geometry issue. The offside front shock absorber leak is significant because hydraulic fluid loss compromises damping and extends stopping distance under heavy braking, so the replacement unit should be checked for any seepage around the seal. Beyond the recent suspension and steering work, the 2024 advisories for both rear coil springs being corroded warrant close physical inspection, as corroded springs on a fifteen year old Fiesta are prone to fracture and can cause a sudden change in ride height or an audible metallic noise over bumps. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking and perishing typical of age rather than tread wear, check the brake discs for an excessive lip and any binding calipers that may have developed through light use, and verify the 12V battery is recent as the original unit would be well beyond its service life. Finally, confirm that time based servicing such as coolant, brake fluid and timing belt replacement has been carried out in line with calendar intervals, as a fifteen year old car with average mileage still requires these items to be renewed regardless of odometer reading to ensure continued roadworthiness.