2012 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YY62 PYA

The most recent MOT on 7 April 2026 recorded a pass, and the preceding year’s test also resulted in a pass on 1 April 2025. The occasional failure entries on 29 March 2025 and 7 April 2026 list no specific defects, suggesting they were administrative or clerical failures rather than genuine mechanical rejections. Consequently the overall maintenance trend appears stable, with the vehicle consistently meeting the statutory safety and emissions criteria over the last two years. At 98 640 miles the Fiesta averages roughly 7 000 miles per annum, which is typical for a fourteen‑year‑old small car. The mileage does not indicate any periods of intensive short‑term use, nor does it reveal long stretches of inactivity that might have caused component seizure. The modest annual distance suggests that wear on consumables such as brake pads, clutch (if a manual), and tyre tread should be moderate, but age‑related degradation of rubber and metal parts will be the dominant factor. Given the clean defect history, the buyer should focus on age‑related inspections. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening, especially if the tyres have not been rotated recently; any visible perishing can lead to sudden loss of pressure. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation and verify its cranking voltage, as a fourteen‑year‑old battery is likely approaching the end of its service life. Inspect the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and ensure the calipers move freely without binding; a test‑drive brake pedal should feel firm and free of pulsation. Look for corrosion on suspension bushes, ball joints and chassis mounting points, and listen for any clunk or knock when the car is driven over bumps or during gentle steering inputs. Finally, confirm that all time‑based fluids have been refreshed in accordance with the manufacturer’s schedule: engine oil and filter, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid should be no older than twelve months, as degradation can occur even with low mileage. Verify the service book for evidence of regular oil changes, timing belt or chain inspection (the 2012 Fiesta typically uses a timing chain, which is less mileage‑critical but still benefits from periodic oil changes), and any recorded replacement of wear items such as spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter. A thorough visual inspection of the exhaust system for rust or holes, and a brief idle and acceleration test to ensure smooth engine response and no abnormal noises, will round out a prudent pre‑purchase evaluation.