2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · NA12 XAP

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring mechanical issues and a tendency to neglect basic consumables. While the most recent test on 21 January 2026 at 97,344 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged a continuing minor exhaust gas leak at the silencer. This issue has persisted through multiple tests, appearing in January 2025 and January 2024, suggesting that previous repairs were either insufficient or that the exhaust system is reaching the end of its serviceable life. The mileage accumulation is consistent with a vehicle of this age, averaging roughly 7,000 miles per year. The record shows steady progress from 28,124 miles in April 2017 to the current 97,344 miles. There are no significant periods of dormancy, but the frequency of failures suggests that maintenance is often reactive rather than preventative. The vehicle has frequently failed on items that could have been addressed during routine servicing, such as tyre tread depth and lighting. A prospective buyer should prioritize a thorough inspection of the suspension and steering components. The January 2025 failure highlighted significant wear in the nearside front suspension arm ball joint and the offside front anti-roll bar linkage, alongside a failed rear shock absorber. Although these specific items were addressed to secure the pass, the history of suspension and wheel-related defects, including a distorted nearside rear road wheel noted as far back as June 2019, indicates a pattern of impact damage or heavy wear. The exhaust system and tyre condition require immediate attention. The recurring exhaust leaks at the silencer and back box suggest that the entire rear exhaust assembly may soon require replacement. Furthermore, the frequent advisories and failures regarding tyre wear and perishing indicate that the owner has historically been slow to replace tyres. A physical check of the current tyre brands, tread depths, and the integrity of the drive shaft seals is necessary to ensure no further oil leaks or structural degradation have developed since the last inspection.