2013 Ford Fiesta 1.6L Diesel · EO13 XJM

The 1.6 TDCi diesel Fiesta typically returns 55-65 mpg in real-world mixed driving, though high-mileage examples like this one often see reduced economy. Fuel will remain the largest running cost, but diesel servicing intervals can stretch further than petrol equivalents. Road tax falls into a reasonable bracket for a 1.6 diesel of this era, though diesels are increasingly penalised by clean air zone charges in cities like London, Birmingham, and Bath, which is worth factoring in for any urban buyer.

Insurance on a 13-year-old Fiesta 1.6 TDCi generally sits in groups 12-15, keeping premiums moderate. Maintenance costs are reasonable for the model, with parts widely available and inexpensive, but the specific issues raised in the recent MOT — exhaust components, suspension bushes, and anti-roll bar links — can add up quickly. A realistic annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance would be in the region of £1,400-£1,800, given the high mileage and the likely need for ongoing repairs.

The diesel Fiesta's DPF (diesel particulate filter) is also worth considering at this mileage. If the car has been used predominantly for short urban trips, the DPF may be partially clogged, and replacement is costly. Ensure the vehicle is driven on a decent run during any test drive and look for warning lights on the dashboard.

Start with a physical inspection of the rear suspension mounting areas referenced in both the 2025 failure and 2025 pass advisories. Use a torch to examine the inner and outer sills for corrosion, paying particular attention to the nearside rear where the 'corroded but not considered excessive' advisory was issued. Get underneath the vehicle if possible to check for any signs of welding or underseal that might be hiding more serious corrosion. The MOT examiner deemed the corrosion within limits, but on a 13-year-old high-mileage car, this is the area most likely to deteriorate quickly.

Inspect the exhaust system thoroughly, including the rear box noted as rusty in the 2024 MOT. The 2025 failure flagged a major exhaust leak, and the 2026 failure noted emissions exceeding manufacturer specifications. Ask when the exhaust was last replaced and check for any blue or black smoke on startup or under load. Listen for clonks or knocks from the anti-roll bar links and check the nearside rear axle bush, which remains an advisory on the most recent test — this is a wear item that will likely need replacement soon.

Finally, check all the smaller items that failed the 2026 test: ensure the nearside wing mirror has been replaced (not just repaired), confirm both front wipers clear the screen effectively, and verify the windscreen washer works on both front and rear. Test all side repeater lights and brake lights, as the offside stop lamp failure in 2025 and side repeater defects across multiple tests suggest recurring electrical gremlins. A thorough test drive on a variety of road surfaces is essential, listening for any suspension noise and checking for pulling under braking.