2012 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Petrol · 60 CU

The 1.4-litre petrol Fiesta typically returns 42–47 mpg in mixed driving, with real-world figures often closer to 38–42 mpg for higher-mileage examples. Annual fuel costs for a low-mileage car like this (roughly 4,100 miles/year) should be modest at around £850–£1,050 in current fuel prices. Road tax sits in the cheap bracket (Band C/E area) at around £30–£165 per year depending on exact CO2 figures, and insurance should fall into groups 7–10, making it inexpensive to insure for most drivers.

Typical annual maintenance for a Fiesta of this age and mileage is low, but the specific issues flagged here push costs up. Expect £150–£250 for a routine service (oil, filter, plugs), plus the brake disc/pad replacement (£250–£400) and exhaust back box repair (£150–£250) identified above. A timing belt replacement is due every 10 years/100,000 miles on the 1.4 Sigma engine — this car is now 13.7 years old, so check whether this critical job has been done; if not, budget £400–£500 immediately. Overall estimated annual running cost: £950–£1,200.

Start with a physical brake inspection: lift the car (or use a ramp at a garage) and measure front disc thickness against the manufacturer's minimum stamped on the disc. The fact that the same advisory has appeared at five consecutive tests strongly suggests the discs are near end-of-life. Also check pad material thickness — the 2026 advisory puts them within touching distance of the 1.5 mm minimum. Listen for any brake squeal or vibration under braking during a test drive.

Inspect the exhaust system from the manifold to the tailpipe, paying particular attention to the back box area (highlighted in 2023) for rust, cracks or blowing joints. Korrosive exhaust failure is one of the top MOT failure causes on the Fiesta generally, so a rusty back box is endemic. Check tyres for uneven wear (which could indicate alignment or suspension issues — relevant given the track rod end play flagged in 2026), sidewall cracking, and minimum 1.6 mm tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Finally, ask for any service history and check whether the timing belt, coolant, and spark plugs have been changed within the recommended intervals — for a 13.7-year-old 1.4 petrol, the timing belt is the single most important service item.