2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MF62 RVA

The vehicle was presented for its most recent MOT examination on 16 December 2025 and achieved a PASS with no advisories or defects recorded, and this clean outcome is consistent with the two prior tests conducted on 26 November 2024 and 14 December 2023, both of which also returned passes without recorded advisories. The trend therefore indicates a stable mechanical condition over the most recent three-year period, suggesting that the advisory items flagged at the 2022 test were subsequently addressed and that the vehicle has been maintained to a satisfactory roadworthy standard since that point. It is worth noting, however, that the 2022 pass was only achieved after a prior failure on the immediately preceding day which recorded a dangerous tyre tread depth deficiency, a track rod end ball joint with excessive play, and an inoperative horn, alongside advisories relating to the front brake disc, front inner brake pads, rear axle bushes, and a coolant leak from the coolant housing. While the absence of recurring advisories since that date is reassuring, the buyer should satisfy themselves that all of those 2022 items were rectified with a proper repair rather than simply allowing time to elapse before the next test. The recorded mileage of 87,754 miles on a 2012 Ford Fiesta represents a broadly average accumulation rate of approximately 6,268 miles per annum over its fourteen-year life, which is entirely consistent with typical mixed private and commuter usage for a vehicle of this class and age. There are no significant gaps in the recorded MOT history that would suggest long periods of standing or storage, nor is there any evidence of rapid mileage accumulation that might point to high-mileage commercial or motorway use. This average usage pattern is mechanically beneficial in that it implies regular warming of the engine, consistent brake and clutch exercise, and steady cycling of fluids, all of which reduce the risk of issues commonly associated with either very low mileage vehicles or those subjected to heavy continuous use. Given that the MOT history has been clean for the past three years and that the vehicle is now approaching fifteen years of age, age-related deterioration becomes a more relevant consideration than high-mileage wear. The buyer should pay particular attention to the condition of the tyres, as the 2022 record demonstrated that a tread depth failure can occur suddenly, and rubber compounds degrade with time regardless of mileage; inspect the sidewalls for perishing, cracking, and UV damage, and verify that none of the tyres are more than five to six years old by checking the DOT date code on the sidewall. The braking system should also be examined in detail, as the 2022 advisories noted pitted front discs and thin inner pads, and although these may have been replaced, the front discs and calipers are common wear items on this model; on a test drive, listen for any grinding, squealing, or pulsation through the brake pedal, and verify that the car pulls up straight without pulling to one side, which could indicate a binding caliper. Similarly, the suspension and steering should be exercised over uneven road surfaces to detect any clonks, knocks, or vagueness that could suggest worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or strut top mountings, all of which are age-related service items on a Fiesta of this vintage. Finally, the buyer should conduct a series of straightforward checks that are not always covered by an MOT test but are particularly relevant to a vehicle of this age. Verify the production or replacement date of the 12-volt battery, as batteries beyond five years of age are prone to sudden failure particularly during cold weather, and inspect the condition of the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil to confirm they are clean and at the correct levels, noting that brake fluid is hygroscopic and should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage. Lift the bonnet and look closely at the coolant housing on the front of the engine, which was flagged in 2022, for any fresh staining, crystallised residue, or weeping that might indicate the housing or its seals have not been properly resealed. Confirm the service history stamps match the recorded mileage and that cambelt and water pump replacement has been carried out if due on the manufacturer schedule, and finally inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points and joints, as standing condensate damage is common on older Fiestas and can lead to MOT failures or excessive noise. A thorough road test on a variety of road surfaces and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified independent technician would provide further confidence before committing to the purchase.