2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MM12 BUW

The 2012 Ford Fiesta most recently passed its MOT on 17 October 2025 with only two minor advisories recorded, both relating to slight damage, cracking, or perishing on the nearside and offside front tyres. This represents a stable and broadly satisfactory maintenance trend, particularly when viewed against the previous four consecutive passes from 2021 through 2024, which were achieved with no advisories recorded at all. Earlier in the history, a failure was logged on 23 October 2020 containing two dangerous defects concerning an offside front valve stem and an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint likely to become detached, alongside advisories for a frayed offside front seat belt and a deteriorated rear registration plate. The fact that the dangerous suspension defect did not reappear in any subsequent test suggests it was rectified properly at the time, and the seat belt advisory likewise dropped off the record after 2020, indicating either repair or further deterioration not yet reaching failure threshold. Overall the pattern points to a vehicle that has been brought back to a sound mechanical baseline and maintained consistently since. With 92,414 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, this Fiesta has covered an average of around 6,600 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. The MOT mileage gap between 2019 and the 2020 test is not unusual, and the relatively even accumulation thereafter suggests regular if modest use rather than long periods of standing or sudden high-mileage trips. Consistent year-round running of this nature is generally favourable for mechanical health, as it keeps the drivetrain, brakes, exhaust, and battery cycled properly, and reduces the risk of corrosion-related seizing in calipers, handbrake mechanisms, and underbody components. However, even at average mileage, a 14-year-old car will have consumed multiple sets of brake pads and discs, at least one or two timing belt or chain services depending on the engine variant, and several coolant and brake fluid changes purely on a calendar basis. For a prospective buyer, the recurring advisory theme of front tyre cracking and perishing warrants close attention, even though it only appeared intermittently and on the front axle. Tyre sidewall perishing is principally a function of age and UV exposure rather than mileage, so on a car of this vintage the buyer should carefully inspect all four tyres and the full-size spare for hairline cracks, particularly in the sidewall flex zone and around the bead, replacing any tyre over five years old regardless of tread depth. The 2020 dangerous advisory for the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint is a known Fiesta weak point, so on a test drive listen for clonks or knocks from the front suspension when traversing speed bumps, turning sharply at low speed, or braking firmly, and check for uneven inner or outer front tyre wear which would indicate worn bushes or a tired ball joint. The recorded fraying of the offside front seat belt webbing from 2020 is also worth physically inspecting to confirm it has not progressed, as frayed webbing reduces restraint effectiveness and would be a failure item if deterioration advanced. Steering wander, vague front-end feel, or uneven tyre wear across an axle would all warrant further investigation. Beyond the recorded history, several age-related items merit a physical check prior to purchase. The 12-volt battery is well beyond its typical four to five year service life, so confirm its age stamp and have it load-tested, as a marginal battery is a common cause of starting and electrical gremlins on older Fiestas. Brake fluid should have been changed at least every two years irrespective of mileage, and given the vehicle's age the buyer should request evidence of recent fluid services or budget for replacement to prevent corrosion in the ABS modulator and caliper bores. Inspect the front and rear brake discs for lipping, scoring, or surface corrosion, and confirm the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, as seized rear caliper mechanisms are common on lightly used or intermittently driven cars. Check underneath for any oil or coolant residue around the engine and gearbox, pay particular attention to the exhaust downpipe and catalytic converter area for rust, and verify the cooling system has been maintained, as neglected coolant on the older Ford engines can lead to water pump or thermostat failures. Finally, confirm a complete service history with stamps matching the recorded mileage, as consistent oil and filter changes are essential to long-term engine durability on a high-mileage supermini of this age.