2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WV62 VCJ

The 2012 Ford Fiesta has passed its most recent MOT on 2026-05-11 at 31,871 miles, but the record reveals a concerning pattern of deferred maintenance. While no major failures were recorded in the latest test, the presence of corroded rear coil springs and a corroded offside front suspension arm—despite no defects in the prior 2025 test—suggests structural neglect is now accelerating. The 2024 and 2023 tests highlighted repeated issues with offside rear tyres (perishing) and front brake discs (pitted), indicating these components were either ignored or replaced inconsistently. The 2022 entry further confirms the offside rear tyre had been compromised for at least four years, yet no corrective action appears to have been taken until the 2024 test. This trend of recurring advisories without resolution raises serious questions about whether critical components have been properly addressed or simply bypassed. The vehicle’s mileage of 31,871 miles over 14 years—approximately 2,276 miles annually—is unusually low for its age, suggesting it has spent extended periods stationary rather than in regular use. The gap between the 2022 (26,581 miles) and 2023 (26,985 miles) tests shows just 474 miles accumulated in a year, while the 2023 to 2024 interval (606 miles) and 2024 to 2025 (769 miles) reveal similarly minimal movement. This pattern implies the car was likely stored for prolonged periods, exacerbating corrosion and wear on suspension and tyres. The absence of higher mileage intervals also means consumables like brakes and suspension may have been underutilised, but this does not negate the risk of latent failure due to rust or degradation. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the rear suspension, particularly the corroded coil springs and offside rear wishbone, as these could compromise structural integrity. The front brake discs, repeatedly noted as pitted in 2023 and 2024, warrant close examination for uneven wear or glazing, which could indicate binding calipers or inadequate servicing. The offside rear tyres, flagged for perishing in multiple tests, should be checked for remaining tread depth and sidewall integrity—failing twice suggests the previous owner may have delayed replacement. Finally, the corrosion on the offside front suspension arm, though not yet classified as seriously weakened, demands verification that it has not deteriorated further since the 2026 test. Given the history of deferred maintenance, no component should be assumed to be in optimal condition.