2012 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · RO62 OSB

A clear pattern of corrosion-related advisories on the rear suspension, combined with a single significant brake-related failure in late 2019, defines the mechanical history of this 2012 Ford Fiesta. The most recent test on 3 October 2025 returned a Pass, but the advisory list is the more telling indicator of developing wear: both rear coil springs were first flagged as corroded in 2022, have been repeated every year since, and are joined this year by a slightly distorted nearside rear road wheel, slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, an offside front tyre worn down to its inner edge, and discoloured front direction indicators. The 2019 failure for dangerously thin front brake pads and a significantly worn front brake disc is an isolated event rather than a chronic issue, as the brake components have not reappeared on any subsequent advisory or failure record. With 108,215 miles recorded across approximately 14 years, the vehicle averages around 7,700 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a car of this age in regular service. MOT tests have been conducted annually without any notable gaps since the first recorded entry, suggesting the Fiesta has remained in consistent use rather than laid up for extended periods. There is no sudden spike in recorded mileage between tests that would indicate a period of intensive commercial or high-mileage use, and the consistent annual progression of advisories aligns with what would be expected from steady, cumulative wear on consumables and underbody components. The repeated coil spring corrosion advisories warrant close attention, as corroded springs are prone to cracking and eventual fracture, particularly on a vehicle of this age and mileage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking sounds from the rear over uneven surfaces, and check visually for any visible flaking, deep pitting, or actual fractures in the spring coils, especially where they seat into the lower spring pans. The slight play noted in the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint is also worth monitoring; during a road test, listen for a rattle or knocking from the front end over speed bumps, harsh direction changes, or undulating tarmac, and check for any looseness when the steering is loaded. The slightly distorted rear wheel is unusual and could potentially be the result of a past kerb impact; it may produce a vibration at higher speeds, so a sustained motorway drive is advisable to detect any imbalance or steering shimmy. The inner-edge wear pattern on the offside front tyre points to a suspension geometry issue, most commonly worn front wishbone bushings, a tired anti-roll bar linkage, or alignment that has drifted out of specification. Before purchase, request that the front wheel alignment be checked and inspect the offside front suspension arm and bushings for play by hand. The front brake components were replaced after the 2019 failure and have remained free of subsequent advisories, but with the mileage now exceeding 108,000, a thorough inspection of pad and disc wear, along with a brake fluid check, is sensible. The minor registration plate lamp issues and discoloured direction indicators are trivial and easily resolved, though the latter could mask deeper deterioration in the indicator bulb housings and warrant a quick functional check of all external lights.