2016 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · YS16 AAX

The 1.25-litre petrol Fiesta typically returns 45–55 mpg in real-world driving, with fuel costs of roughly £1,200–£1,500 per year for an average driver covering 7,000 miles. Insurance sits in group 7–8, making it one of the cheapest superminis to insure on the market. Road tax is £35 per year as this is a pre-2017 petrol car below 100 g/km CO2.

Routine servicing is affordable, with oil changes costing £120–£180 at independent garages and major services around £200–£300. The timing chain (rather than belt) eliminates one expensive replacement job, but expect budget items such as tyres (£40–£60 each), brake pads (£80–£120 fitted) and possibly a clutch (£400–£600) given the mileage. The recent MOT advisories suggest the front brake discs and suspension components may be approaching replacement soon, so set aside £300–£500 for likely near-term work.

Estimated annual running cost: £800–£1,100, covering fuel, tax, insurance and routine maintenance.

Prioritise a physical check of the front suspension, specifically the offside front lower arm ball joint that was flagged with slight play in January 2023. Ball joint wear tends to progress and can lead to an MOT failure once play exceeds tolerances. Also inspect the nearside front shock absorber for oil leakage — the January 2026 advisory described 'light misting', which often develops into a heavier leak within 12–24 months.

Examine the front brake discs for lipping or scoring, as the 2023 test noted wear (though not excessive). Check tyre condition and age, particularly on the front axle, since both fronts were flagged as close to the legal limit in 2023. Verify the offside front fog light lens damage noted in 2024 has been repaired or replaced, as damaged lenses can allow water ingress.

For the model broadly, the aggregate data lists headlamp issues, exhaust problems and coil spring failures as the top MOT failure reasons for Fiestas. Inspect headlamp lenses for clouding or cracks, check the exhaust for corrosion or blowing, and listen for knocking over bumps which could indicate broken coil springs. A pre-purchase inspection by a garage familiar with Fiestas is highly recommended.