2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WJ11 KHT

The 2011 Ford Fiesta currently holds a valid MOT pass dated 2025-06-16 at 88,315 miles, but the maintenance trend is concerning rather than stable. The most recent test required a prior failure on the same day to address a structurally corroded nearside rear sill, which had been flagged as excessively corroded and significantly reducing structural strength. While the car passed on retest, the underlying pattern of corrosion and suspension wear remains unresolved. Rear coil springs have been noted as corroded on both sides in every test since 2024, and this advisory has never been cleared, suggesting the components are still original and deteriorating. Tyre wear is a recurring theme, with edge wear and perishing appearing consistently across multiple test dates and axles, indicating either alignment issues or neglect of basic tyre maintenance. The vehicle has covered just 88,315 miles over approximately 15 years, averaging roughly 5,888 miles per year, which is notably low for its age. Mileage accumulation has been gradual and consistent, with the car gaining around 2,700 miles between the 2023 and 2024 tests and roughly 2,740 miles between 2024 and 2025. There are no dramatic gaps or sudden spikes in the odometer record, suggesting steady but light use rather than long periods of standing. The low annual mileage implies the car has likely been used for short urban journeys, which can accelerate corrosion and component deterioration due to insufficient heat cycles and moisture evacuation from the exhaust and underbody. A buyer should pay close attention to the structural integrity of the rear sills and subframe mounting areas, given the 2025 failure for excessive corrosion on the nearside rear sill. Surface rust on a 15-year-old Fiesta is expected, but the tester's language of "significantly reducing structural strength" warrants a thorough inspection with a torch and probe, particularly around the rear suspension mounting points. The rear coil springs remain advisories and should be checked for sag, cracking, or deep pitting that could lead to sudden failure. Both rear trailing arm bushes have been flagged as worn in multiple tests, with the offside bush previously reaching the point of excessive wear, so any clunking from the rear over speed bushes or uneven tyre wear would confirm these need replacement. Tyre condition demands attention beyond simply checking tread depth. The repeated advisories for edge wear and perishing suggest possible tracking misalignment or underinflation, and the buyer should inspect the inner sidewalls carefully for cracking, especially on the nearside rear. The offside front windscreen washer jet was flagged as misaligned in 2024, and while this may seem minor, it can indicate a lack of basic maintenance. A test drive should focus on rear suspension noise, any tendency for the rear end to wander or feel loose, and whether the car sits level. Given the recurring corrosion advisories and the structural failure earlier in 2025, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly recommended before committing to this vehicle.