2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · ML62 SVR

A pattern of minor advisories rather than major structural defects defines the MOT history of this 2012 Ford Fiesta, though the cumulative picture suggests a vehicle with consumable wear requiring attention. Across six recorded tests, the car has passed on four occasions and failed on two, with the most recent assessment on 2025-10-10 returning a pass but carrying two advisories: play in the offside front steering rack inner joint and slight damage to both front tyres. The failure history is consistent with easily rectifiable items rather than serious mechanical or corrosion concerns. On 2024-10-12 a near-side side repeater was flagged as inoperative, and on 2022-10-18 the failures involved a deteriorated near-side front CV boot, an inoperative dipped headlamp, and an insufficient windscreen washer. These outcomes point to a vehicle that has been kept on the road through routine electrical and rubber-component replacements rather than through addressing deeper mechanical wear. The recorded mileage of 138,289 miles over approximately fourteen years equates to an average accumulation of around 9,878 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage patterns for a car of this age and class. There are no extended gaps in the testing record suggesting prolonged periods off the road, and the test entries appear at consistent yearly intervals. This steady pattern of use is mechanically significant because it implies regular operation of the engine, transmission, and braking systems, reducing the likelihood of issues associated with long-term standing such as seized calipers or deteriorated coolant systems. Conversely, the consistent annual mileage means that wear items such as suspension components, brake discs and pads, and tyres have been subjected to ongoing service, and the advisories recorded align with the expectations of a higher-mileage supermini. The recurring advisory on the near-side front tyre for cuts, damage, or cracking across 2021, 2022, and 2024 indicates this corner of the vehicle is particularly susceptible to tyre wear or kerbing damage, and a prospective buyer should closely inspect the near-side front carcass for sidewall bulges or exposed ply. The 2025 advisory on both front tyres suggests replacement of the pair is due, and tread depth should be measured across the full width rather than just the central grooves. The advisory on the offside front steering rack inner joint recorded in October 2025 is the most mechanically significant advisory in the current record, and on a test drive the buyer should listen for clonking or knocking from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, as well as any vagueness or notchiness through the steering wheel when turning on lock. A secondary check of rack play can be made by rocking the wheel side to side with the engine running and the vehicle stationary, feeling for a delay or clunk from the steering column. The 2022 advisory regarding slight play in the near-side front suspension arm ball joint, combined with the subsequent steering rack advisory, suggests the front suspension geometry should be a priority inspection area. On a test drive, listen for irregular knocking or creaking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning into a driveway or cornering at low speed. The earlier failure on the near-side front CV boot indicates the gaiter has been replaced or repaired, but the joint itself should be inspected for grease leakage and any clicking or vibration under load, which would suggest the boot repair has been compromised. The direction indicator discolouration noted in 2024 and the recurring washer fluid failures across multiple tests suggest basic electrical and fluid-level checks have occasionally been overlooked; on inspection, verifying that all exterior lighting functions correctly and that the washer system delivers an adequate spray to the windscreen is advisable. Finally, given the mileage and age, a thorough inspection of the brake pedal feel, any pulling to one side under braking, and the condition of the rear brake components is warranted, as these are not flagged in the MOT record but are subject to wear consistent with the vehicle's usage.