2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · MV12 OUX

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension-related components. While the most recent test in March 2026 at 85,558 miles passed, the tester identified a new advisory for a nearside front suspension arm ball joint. This follows a persistent issue with the offside rear shock absorber which showed oil misting in 2025, suggesting that the suspension system is reaching the end of its functional life. The mileage pattern is consistent with a low-useage vehicle of this age, averaging approximately 6,100 miles per year. Records show steady progression of roughly 6,000 miles between each annual test from 2023 to 2026. However, the gap in March 2024 at 73,599 miles—where the car initially failed due to excessively worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes on both sides—highlights that despite the low mileage, the rubber and metal suspension components are suffering from age-related degradation and dry rot. A buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the entire suspension geometry before purchasing. The recurring oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber has persisted for two consecutive years and likely requires replacement soon to prevent failure. Furthermore, the newly flagged play in the nearside front ball joint and the history of worn trailing arm bushes indicate that the front and rear suspension assemblies are deteriorating simultaneously. You must check for signs of uneven tyre wear or steering alignment issues to ensure the previous bushing faults have not caused secondary damage to the drivetrain.