2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · EN16 PXZ

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol is one of the more frugal engines in the Fiesta range, typically returning around 50-55 mpg in mixed driving. Road tax for a 2016 Fiesta 1.0 is usually in the cheaper bands, but once the car exceeds £40,000 list price rules are irrelevant here — expect around £20-£30 per year in VED. Insurance is generally favourable in groups 5-8 depending on trim, making this an affordable car to cover.

Maintenance costs are modest for a Fiesta, but the brake and suspension items flagged at the recent MOT will need attention soon. A front brake disc and pad replacement typically costs £250-£350 at an independent garage, and a rear suspension arm bush repair can run £150-£300. Budget around £400-£600 in the short term for these items, on top of routine servicing.

Start with a visual inspection of the front brake discs through the wheels — look for a pronounced lip on the outer edge and any visible scoring on the surface. Pads can be checked by peering through the caliper, though a proper measurement requires the wheel off. The 2026 failure also noted an excessively worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint, so jack the car up and grab the front wheels at 3 and 9 o'clock to check for play; any clunking or movement points to worn ball joints or wishbones.

At the rear, check the coil spring on the nearside for corrosion — the 2024 MOT flagged this, and corroded springs can eventually snap. Inspect the rear suspension arm bushes for cracking or perishing, and push down firmly on each corner of the car to check the dampers. Finally, verify all rear and brake lights are functional, as a stop lamp failure appeared in both the 2024 and 2026 tests. The minor body damage noted in 2024 should also be inspected for any rust development, particularly around wheel arches and sills which are known Fiesta weak points.