2013 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MM62 LMV

The most recent DVSA examination on 4 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but the same date carries a prior failed attempt that was subsequently rectified, indicating that remedial work was undertaken to clear the major failure before the pass certificate was issued. The underlying defect trend across the last three MOTs is a clear and progressive deterioration of the front suspension, specifically the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint. In February 2024 the nearside front lower ball joint was noted with slight play; by February 2025 the nearside was again flagged with slight play while both front tyres were reported as worn close to the legal limit; and by February 2026 the offside lower ball joint wear had advanced to the point of being categorised as a major failure item. The rear coil spring corrosion advisory has also been consistent from 2025 onwards, confirming that the underside of this vehicle is accumulating the kind of age-related structural degradation one would expect of a thirteen-year-old car. Overall the maintenance trajectory is best described as worsening at the front end and stagnant at the rear, with the rear axle bushes likewise noted across consecutive tests. Against a calendar age of thirteen years, the recorded mileage of 46,975 miles equates to an annual average of roughly 3,600 miles, which is considerably below the typical figure for a Fiesta of this generation and points towards a vehicle that has either been used predominantly for short journeys or has spent extended periods standing unused. Such low usage patterns tend to mask wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch, internal drivetrain, and brake friction material, but they actively accelerate deterioration of items that degrade with age rather than use. Standing periods encourage corrosion of exposed underbody components, oxidation of brake disc surfaces leading to binding calipers, perishing of tyre sidewalls even when tread depth remains adequate, sulphation of the 12-volt battery, and moisture accumulation within engine and brake fluid. The consistent rear coil spring and suspension bush advisories recorded by the test station over consecutive years align well with this age-dominant rather than mileage-dominant wear profile. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension, as the DVSA record demonstrates a clear progression in lower arm ball joint wear. With the vehicle raised or on a ramp, check for any looseness, perished or split rubber boots, and excessive vertical or horizontal play at both offside and nearside front lower ball joints, since the nearside was previously flagged and the offside has now been replaced or refurbished. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed humps, uneven road surfaces, or during full-lock turns, and pay attention to any vagueness in steering response, wandering at speed, or uneven tyre wear across the front axle which would indicate geometry being pulled out of tolerance by worn joints. Inspect the rear coil springs for advanced surface corrosion and flaking that could compromise structural integrity, and examine the rear axle bushes for cracking or separation, expecting further renewal in the near term. Confirm the age, source and quality of the front tyres, as the previous test noted shoulder wear that may suggest an underlying geometry issue rather than simple rubber consumption. Given the unusually low annual mileage, several age-related checks should be undertaken before purchase regardless of the MOT result. Tyre sidewalls should be carefully inspected for perishing cracks and ozone damage, as tyres over six or seven years old can lose structural integrity long before the tread is exhausted; check the DOT date codes on each wheel. Lift the bonnet and verify the 12-volt battery manufacturing date, as a thirteen-year-old original unit or any battery standing unused for prolonged periods is highly likely to be unserviceable. Examine the brake discs for lipping, heavy surface corrosion, and check that all four calipers retract cleanly without binding by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely when jacked. Verify the service book history for evidence of time-based fluid changes, particularly engine coolant, brake fluid, and gearbox oil, since calendar-aged fluid degrades irrespective of mileage. Finally, run the engine from cold and observe for any smoke, rough idle, or cooling system leaks, and take note of any warning lights on the instrument cluster that may indicate issues masked by the limited recent use of this low-mileage example.