2012 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · PK12 UAE

A pattern of tyre wear, brake wear and a persistent oil‑leak advisory dominates the mechanical story of this Fiesta, with a single dangerous brake‑pad failure recorded in late 2021. The most recent MOT on 17 December 2025 was passed, the only note being that the front brake disc is worn but not yet beyond the acceptable limit, reinforcing that brake wear remains the most significant recurring issue. At 56 429 mi the car averages just over 4 000 mi per year, well below the typical annual mileage for a 2012 model. Such low utilisation can be a double‑edged sword: consumables such as tyres and brake pads have been spared the high‑kilometre wear that accelerates thinning, yet prolonged periods of inactivity can promote oil seepage, rubber hardening and corrosion, especially on components like the rear exhaust heat shield that was previously noted as insecure. Prospective buyers should focus the test drive on the braking system: feel for any pedal pulsation, listen for squealing or grinding, and verify that the front discs are free of scoring and that pads are well above the 1.5 mm minimum. Inspect the tyre tread on all four wheels – the MOT record shows multiple instances of tyres close to the legal limit, so current depth should be measured and any uneven wear patterns examined for suspension or alignment issues. The off‑side front suspension arm ball joint was flagged for slight play; a firm push on the wheel should not produce a clunk, and steering should remain steady without wandering. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection should locate the source of the oil leak noted in several tests, checking for drips around the valve cover or oil filter housing and ensuring no oil is contaminating the brake components. Verify that the off‑side stop lamp now operates correctly, and confirm that the rear child‑seat obstruction does not impede belt inspection. Given the low mileage, also ask the inspector to examine rubber hoses, coolant hoses and the exhaust heat shield for any signs of dry‑rot or rust that may have developed during any extended idle periods. Addressing these specific items will give a clear picture of the car’s current roadworthiness.