2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YA12 UUT

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance profile with a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. While it passed its most recent MOT test on 11 August 2025 at 92,782 miles, this followed an immediate failure on the same day for multiple mechanical and safety defects. The history shows that the owner only addresses faults when they trigger a test failure, evidenced by the recurring presence of worn brake components and steering geometry issues that should have been identified during a standard service interval. At 14 years old, the recorded mileage of 92,782 miles represents an annual average of approximately 6,600 miles, which is consistent with low-use urban driving. However, the intervals between tests reveal periods of potential neglect. Between August 2023 and August 2024, the car covered roughly 13,000 miles, yet the August 2023 test showed critical failures including a serious shock absorber leak and tyres with exposed ply cords. The low mileage has not protected the vehicle from rubber component degradation, as seen by the perishing and cracking noted in the 2025 report. A buyer must inspect the front sub-frame closely, as the 2025 tester flagged corrosion that, while not yet structural, is likely to progress on a vehicle of this age. The gearbox oil leak is a known quantity that requires monitoring to ensure it does not escalate into a catastrophic failure. Furthermore, the distorted nearside front road wheel and the binding offside front caliper suggest the vehicle may have suffered impacts or suffers from seized hardware, which accelerates uneven wear on other components. The steering and suspension system require immediate attention. The 2025 failure highlighted excessive play in the track rod ends, and the previous 2023 failure noted a failed nearside shock absorber. Given the history of thin pads and worn discs, the entire braking system across both axles will likely require significant expenditure soon. A physical inspection of the tyre condition and suspension joints is necessary to confirm if the repairs made after the August 2025 failure were comprehensive or merely temporary fixes to pass the test.