2011 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · WF11 KFP

The May 2026 test at 74,012 miles passed, but the tester flagged severely deteriorated front suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both sides. This indicates a worsening trend regarding suspension sealing, contrasting with the clean bills of health recorded in 2024 and 2025. While the vehicle remains roadworthy, degraded dust covers allow contaminants to ingress, accelerating wear on the ball joints themselves. A buyer should view this deterioration as an early warning of impending suspension component failure rather than an immediate safety risk. Covering roughly 4,934 miles annually, this Fiesta has seen exceptionally light use for a 2011 model. The record shows a steady accumulation, jumping from 55,669 miles in April 2023 to 61,476 miles by April 2024, and reaching 74,012 miles in May 2026. The recent spike of over 8,000 miles in the past year suggests the previous owner ramped up usage after a period of minimal driving. Low annual mileage often implies short trips, which can prevent the exhaust system from fully evaporating moisture, though no emissions failures currently appear on record. A physical inspection must focus on the front suspension and the rear axle. The tester flagged excessively worn rear axle swivel pins and bushes during the April 2024 failure at 61,476 miles. Although the car passed a retest the same day, these components require close scrutiny for play or corrosion, as rear axle wear can destabilise handling at speed. The front ball joint dust covers deteriorated severely by May 2026, meaning the joints likely suffer from grease loss and contamination. Check the inner edges of the front tyres for uneven wear, mirroring the offside front wear noted in April 2023. Verify the structural integrity of the underside, as long periods of standing combined with suspension and axle wear can promote corrosion on the chassis and mounting points.