2012 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Petrol · SP62 OCJ

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a developing instability in the steering and suspension components. While the most recent test in January 2025 at 124,951 miles identified play in the nearside front steering rack inner joints, this follows a period of recurring mechanical wear. The history suggests that while the car is operational, the front-end suspension and steering geometry are reaching a stage where component replacement is becoming increasingly frequent. At 124,951 miles over 14 years, the Fiesta averages approximately 8,900 miles per year, which aligns with typical national averages for an older hatchback. The data shows consistent usage patterns, with a 5,886-mile gap between January 2024 and January 2025, and roughly 6,000 miles between late 2022 and early 2024 tests. This steady accumulation indicates the vehicle has not sat for long periods, which generally helps preserve the rubber components noted in various inspections. A buyer must specifically inspect the front-end assembly to ensure the steering rack play identified in the last test has been properly rectified. The record reveals recurring issues with axle swivel pins, bushes, and track rod ends dating back to 2022, suggesting the entire front suspension subframe may be nearing the end of its service life. Additionally, the binding condition on the offside front brake noted in 2022 should be re-checked to ensure the caliper is not seizing, as this can lead to uneven wear. The noisy exhaust mentioned in both 2021 and 2022 also warrants a physical check for corrosion or loose mounting brackets.