2011 Ford Fiesta 1.4L Diesel · FD11 AAU

The 1.4 TDC diesel engine in this Fiesta typically returns 60-65 mpg on a mixed cycle, which is one of the few remaining positives on a high-mileage example. Road tax for a 2011 diesel Fiesta sits in a moderate band, though diesels registered after April 2017 would face additional charges, which does not apply here. Insurance is likely to fall into group 10-13, keeping premiums modest for a supermini, although the diesel TDCi can attract slightly higher quotes than the petrol equivalents.

Annual running costs are dominated by the high mileage on this particular vehicle. Budget approximately £1,500-£1,900 per year to cover fuel, tax, insurance, and the inevitable maintenance the MOT history suggests is needed. The recurring suspension and steering advisories alone point to likely work in the £300-£600 range, and any diesel-specific repairs such as the EGR valve, turbo, or clutch could push annual costs significantly higher.

Priority checks on this vehicle should mirror the advisories recorded across its MOT history. The front suspension is clearly the weakest area: lower arm ball joint play was flagged in 2024, and a track rod end ball joint with slight play was noted in 2026. Jack the car up and check for any free movement in the front lower arms, and have the steering rack inspected for internal play, as this has now been recorded in both 2025 and 2026. The near-side front suspension arm ball joint dust cover was also noted as severely deteriorated in 2026, which can lead to accelerated joint wear if water and grit ingress.

The rear axle swivel pins and bushes are another recurring item, flagged on both sides in 2025 and 2026 and on the offside in 2023. This is a known wear point on Fiesta Mk6/Mk7 models and replacement is a moderately involved job. For the diesel engine itself, check for black smoke on start-up (indicating EGR or injector issues), and listen for any timing chain rattle which can affect the 1.4 TDC. Brake discs were noted as worn and pitted in 2025 and should be inspected for remaining thickness. Finally, ensure the windscreen damage noted in 2026 has not progressed, as any crack within the driver's swept area would result in a future MOT failure.