2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · RO62 WPL

The most recent MOT on 29 January 2026 recorded a failure, with dangerous‑level front brake pads measured at less than 1.5 mm and major, visibly worn front brake discs. An advisory noted a non‑excessive oil leak, and earlier in the same session a pass was logged, but the failure supersedes the pass result. Over the past three years the vehicle has moved from minor lamp and headlamp‑aim faults to a deteriorating CV boot and now to serious front‑brake wear, indicating a clear deterioration in the maintenance trajectory rather than any improvement. With 78,294 mi on the clock after fourteen years the average annual mileage is roughly 5,600 mi, well below the typical UK usage of 10‑12 000 mi per year. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited driving or extended storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber components, seals and batteries age calendar‑wise. The modest mileage does not automatically guarantee good condition; rather it raises the likelihood of age‑related perishing of tyres, suspension bushes and fluid degradation, while the wear that does exist on the brakes is now critical. A prospective buyer should give the front braking system immediate attention. Inspect the pads for uneven wear, glazing or scoring and verify that the discs are not scored, warped or excessively thin; any pulsation in the pedal, squeal on light braking or a deep, metallic grinding noise would confirm the MOT findings and demand replacement of pads and likely the discs. The deteriorated CV boot on the off‑side outer drive‑shaft should be examined for grease seepage, cracks or torn fabric; a clicking or shuddering sensation when accelerating or cornering would indicate joint damage that may require boot replacement and possibly the joint itself. The oil leak, although classed as non‑excessive, should be traced – common sources on a 2012 Fiesta include the valve‑cover gasket or oil‑pan gasket – and the oil level and condition checked for signs of contamination; persistent loss could lead to low‑oil warnings or engine wear. All exterior lamps, especially the near‑side position lamp that has repeatedly failed, must be replaced and the headlamp aim re‑checked to avoid further MOT rejections. Beyond the recorded defects, the buyer should conduct age‑related checks. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or tread that is approaching the legal 1.6 mm limit, remembering that tyres older than six years can deteriorate even with low mileage. Test the 12 V battery voltage and inspect terminals for corrosion, as standing periods accelerate sulfation. Verify that brake fluid has been changed within the last two years and look for any moisture on the reservoir cap, which would necessitate a flush. Inspect suspension bushings, especially the lower control‑arm and rear trailing‑arm bushes, for looseness or cracked rubber, and listen for clunks over bumps. Finally, confirm that regular service stamps exist in the service book, particularly for oil changes, coolant flushes and timing‑belt (or chain) intervals, to ensure the engine’s internal components have been maintained in line with Ford’s recommendations.