1998 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · S905 BJO

The 1.2 L petrol engine typically delivers around 45‑50 mpg, giving an annual fuel cost of roughly £600‑£700 based on 12,000 miles of average UK driving. Road tax for a pre‑2001 registration is generally zero, and the insurance group for a 1998 Fiesta 1.2 sits in the low‑to‑mid range (group 4‑6), translating to an estimated £300‑£400 per year. Routine maintenance – oil and filter changes, tyre rotation and occasional brake service – averages £150‑£200 annually, while a set of replacement tyres costs about £300 and brake pads around £100.

Adding these items together, the total estimated annual running cost falls in the £800‑£1,000 range, making the Fiesta a relatively inexpensive car to keep on the road despite its age.

Begin with a visual inspection of the bodywork, paying close attention to the off‑side sill and rear wheel arch where corrosion was noted in the 2024 MOT, and check the seat‑belt anchorage for rust. Examine the suspension arm bushes and ball joints for play, and test the brake hoses for cracks or hardening, as these have been recurring advisory items. Verify the condition of the CV joint gaiters, wheel bearings and tyre tread, noting that the recent MOT records the near‑side rear wheel bearing as slightly noisy.

Under the bonnet, look for signs of oil leaks, coolant condition and the state of the timing belt (if applicable), and confirm that the exhaust system is free of major leaks, remembering the centre exhaust leak advisory from earlier tests. Finally, perform a test drive to listen for abnormal noises from the suspension, steering and drivetrain, and check the functionality of all lights, wipers and the parking brake.