2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · SL61 LDY

A clear pattern of persistent front-end mechanical wear defines this Fiesta's MOT record, with the suspension and wheel components emerging as chronic weak points. The most recent test on 3 March 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a near-identical inspection six days earlier on 27 February 2026 flagged four major defects, including a failing front wiper, perished anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, a mismatched tyre size on the front axle, and a rough near-side front wheel bearing. The intervening repair was clearly sufficient to clear those items, but the underlying wear pattern has been flagged repeatedly: the near-side front anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, the linkage ball joint, and the lower suspension arm ball joint all showed play at the early 2025 test, and that area of the car continues to attract advisories at every visit. A repeat advisory on the offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge appeared in both late 2023 and again in early 2026, suggesting either a tracking geometry issue or persistent neglect of that corner's wheel alignment. With 132,929 miles recorded over fifteen years, annual usage sits at roughly 8,862 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and indicates steady rather than sporadic use. There are, however, notable testing gaps in the DVSA record, particularly between January 2025 and February 2026, where no MOT history is shown despite the 2026 entries. This could simply reflect a period off the road or untested, but it warrants confirmation with the seller through V5C documentation and any gap in service history. The 2025 advisory of an engine rattle or knock is also worth noting against the mileage, as it suggests internal engine components, possibly timing chain tensioner, hydraulic lifters, or bottom-end wear, are beginning to make themselves audible, and this symptom has now persisted across at least two test cycles. For a prospective buyer, the front suspension is the priority area to inspect thoroughly. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the near-side front over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, as this would confirm the anti-roll bar linkage and lower arm ball joint play recorded in 2025 has progressed. Pay particular attention to steering response and road feel: a roughness or grumble from the near-side front wheel, especially when turning, would indicate the wheel bearing flagged as a major defect in February 2026 has returned, and any looseness or sloppiness in the steering should be treated as evidence of further wear in the front suspension. The mismatched front tyre size recorded at the same test is a serious safety concern if it has been refitted with a non-matching pair, so visually confirm both front tyres carry identical size markings on their sidewalls. The braking system and tyres also require close scrutiny given the recurring advisories. The offside rear brake was noted as fluctuating in late 2023, which can indicate a partially seizing caliper or a worn sliding mechanism, so during the test drive, listen for scraping or dragging noises from the offside rear when releasing the accelerator, and check for the rear wheel running hotter than its counterpart after a short drive. The offside front tyre has been repeatedly flagged as worn on its edge, pointing to a likely camber or tracking issue; before purchase, have the alignment professionally checked and inspect all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear. Finally, request evidence that the engine rattle or knock has been investigated, as persistent internal engine noise at this mileage, combined with the documented advisories, could foreshadow more significant mechanical intervention. Confirm the timing chain operation from cold start, listen for any rattle on initial oil pressure, and ensure the seller can provide receipts for any suspension, bearing, or engine work carried out since early 2025.