2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ST61 RCF

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by recurring mechanical failures and late-stage structural degradation. While it passed its most recent test in December 2025 at 88,199 miles, this followed a significant failure just six days prior. The transition from a failure involving excessive structural corrosion and imminent brake pipe fracture to a pass suggests only the minimum required repairs were performed to achieve legal compliance. The persistence of an exhaust leak and tyre wear across multiple test intervals indicates a reactive approach to maintenance rather than proactive preventative care. At 88,199 miles, the 14-year-old Fiesta shows an average usage of approximately 6,300 miles per year, which is consistent with low-use patterns. However, the record reveals a steady accumulation of mileage of roughly 11,000 miles between December 2023 and December 2025. This low annual mileage has not protected the vehicle from age-related decay, as evidenced by the persistent corrosion on the coil springs and the structural components that have emerged as the car aged into its second decade. A buyer must conduct a thorough inspection of the underbody, specifically the nearside rear body mounting point where the 2025 failure flagged excessive corrosion affecting structural strength. This type of rust is often progressive and can spread rapidly if not treated. The front suspension geometry also requires close scrutiny; the offside front track rod end and suspension arm bushes have been flagged for excessive play and wear in multiple years. Given the history of a corroded offside front brake pipe and a persistent oil leak, the integrity of the braking lines and engine seals should be verified visually to ensure no further hidden failures are imminent.