2011 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · RO61 WTP

The 2011 Ford Fiesta presents a stable and largely reassuring roadworthiness profile, with the most recent MOT conducted on 11 December 2025 at 60,964 miles resulting in a pass. The sole advisory recorded at that test was a light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, classified under item 5.3.2 (b). This is a minor seepage rather than a failure, but it signals the onset of damper wear that warrants monitoring. The maintenance trend over the past five years is broadly stable, with no recurring serious defects and only low-level advisories appearing intermittently. The mileage pattern is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Between December 2021 at 49,817 miles and December 2025 at 60,964 miles, the car covered approximately 11,147 miles over four years, averaging roughly 2,787 miles per annum in that window. The earlier record shows a similar pattern, with the car reaching 52,701 miles by December 2022. This is well below the typical annual figure of around 8,000 to 12,000 miles, suggesting the vehicle has seen light use or extended periods of standing. Low mileage can reduce wear on drivetrain and braking components, but prolonged inactivity carries its own risks, including perished rubber seals, degraded brake discs from surface corrosion, and tyre sidewall deterioration. The December 2023 test at 54,739 miles flagged both front tyres as starting to crack and perish on the outer sidewalls. Tyre perishing is consistent with a car that sits stationary for extended periods, as UV exposure and ozone degrade rubber compounds regardless of tread depth. A buyer should inspect all four tyres carefully, checking the date stamps on the sidewalls to confirm their age and replacement history. Even if tread depth remains legal, tyres over six years old should be considered for replacement regardless of condition. The light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber noted in the December 2025 test is the only mechanical advisory in the entire five-year record. A misting condition means the damper seal is beginning to weep fluid, which will eventually compromise damping performance if left unaddressed. A buyer should have the rear suspension inspected for ride quality and damping effectiveness, checking whether the misting has progressed to an active leak. The front suspension, braking system, and underside should also be examined for corrosion, given the car's age and the possibility of long stationary periods between uses.