2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ND11 NWS

The DVSA record for this 2011 Ford Fiesta presents an unusual pattern that warrants careful attention from any prospective buyer. Across the four recorded tests, the vehicle alternated between PASS and FAIL outcomes on the same dates in both 2022 and 2023, with no advisories or defect details logged on either side of any failure. A car that passes an MOT, fails an MOT, and then passes again on the same calendar date strongly suggests either administrative anomalies in the recording system or that defects were identified, rectified, and re-tested within hours. Without the specific defect codes from the failed examinations, it is impossible to confirm which components were implicated, but the duplicated outcome pattern means the mechanical narrative of this Fiesta cannot be considered fully transparent from MOT history alone. The absence of any advisory entries across all four tests is atypical for a fifteen-year-old vehicle with nearly 94,000 miles on the odometer, where one would normally expect at least some wear-related observations on consumables, exhaust, or suspension components. At 94,056 recorded miles over roughly fifteen years, this Fiesta has accumulated approximately 6,270 miles annually, which sits within the typical usage band for a car of its age and class. The mileage progression between the 2022 and 2023 tests appears broadly consistent with this average, indicating no dramatic spikes or extended periods of inactivity that would suggest the vehicle was laid up or used unusually intensively. That said, the relatively modest annual mileage does not insulate the car from age-related deterioration, particularly on rubber bushings, drive belts, coolant hoses, and brake hydraulic components, all of which degrade with time irrespective of distance covered. A buyer should therefore weigh the odometer reading as only one part of the wear equation, with calendar age driving significant degradation on items that mileage alone would not necessarily consume. Given the absence of any advisories, there are no specific flagged components to investigate, which makes a physical pre-purchase inspection all the more important. Particular attention should be directed to the front suspension, where Ford Fiestas of this generation are known to develop wear in the front wishbone rear bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, both of which can produce clonking noises over speed bumps or uneven surfaces. During a test drive, listen for knocking or rattling from the front end on rough roads, check for uneven tyre wear which often indicates alignment or suspension geometry issues, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the steering which can point to worn track rod ends or top mounts. On the brakes, test for pulling to one side under firm application, any grinding or scraping noises from the calipers, and a spongy or low pedal that could indicate seized caliper slide pins or hydraulic issues. Beyond the suspension and braking systems, the condition of the underbody and exhaust should be examined physically on a ramp or over a pit, as corrosion advisories are extremely common on Fiesta models of this vintage, particularly around the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and brake pipe runs. Listen on the test drive for any exhaust blowing noises, particularly on cold start, and watch for diesel-like smoke from the exhaust on overrun which may indicate oil consumption issues on the petrol engine. Check for any signs of fluid leakage from the engine or transmission, including fresh staining on the driveway or garage floor where the car is normally parked. Finally, confirm with the seller that the second test on each date genuinely reflects a retest after repair rather than a clerical duplicate, and request any accompanying invoices or receipts to substantiate what work was actually carried out between the failures and subsequent passes.