2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · YT62 WDD

The most recent MOT, conducted on 06 January 2026 at 127,724 miles, resulted in a pass, but the vehicle carries a pattern of unresolved structural corrosion that demands caution. The maintenance trend is not improving. While the immediate safety-critical failures identified on the initial test that day — a blown Offside Rear tyre exposing ply and a non-functioning windscreen washer — were rectified for the retest, the underlying advisories from that exact same date remain live. Both rear coil springs are actively corroded, and the exhaust system is physically deteriorated with an insecure tin shield. These are not new issues. They are a recurring theme. The mileage progression tells a story of consistent, relatively gentle use. The vehicle accumulated 9,980 miles between the January 2025 test at 117,744 miles and the January 2026 test at 127,724 miles. Looking further back, it covered 10,658 miles between January 2024 and January 2025. This is a steady annual cycle of roughly 10,000 miles. There are no alarming gaps in the record that suggest the car has been sitting stationary for extended periods, which would have accelerated certain types of corrosion. The wear and tear profile aligns exactly with a car doing regular, moderate mileage. The most significant mechanical concern is the suspension. The rear coil springs have been flagged for corrosion in every single test from 2024 through 2026. In the January 2025 failure, the Offside Front spring was actually fractured. The fact that corrosion warnings persist on both rear springs two years later suggests surface rust has been allowed to penetrate, weakening the metal's fatigue life. A buyer must physically inspect these springs closely, looking for any flaking, pitting, or visible cracks, as a sudden spring fracture at speed can cause a loss of control. The January 2025 failure also identified a dangerously worn Nearside Front track rod end at serious risk of detachment. Although this was fixed for the retest, it indicates the front end has suffered impact or wear, so checking for uneven tyre wear and vague steering is essential. Beyond the suspension, the braking system shows signs of neglect. The January 2025 failure revealed front brake pads below the 1.5 mm legal minimum and worn, pitted front discs. While these were replaced, the January 2024 advisory noted the pads were already wearing thin at just 107,086 miles, suggesting the car has a history of running components to their absolute limit. The exhaust system is another persistent weak point, flagged as deteriorated in both the 2025 and 2026 tests. This points to a failing back box or corroded joints, which will need replacement to pass future emissions and noise tests. A hands-on inspection should focus on the underside for structural rust, particularly around the spring mounts, subframe, and exhaust hangers, as the repeated corrosion advisories suggest the underseal has long since failed.