2018 Ford Fiesta 1.0L Petrol · HJ18 NND

The 1.0-litre petrol Fiesta typically returns 50–55 mpg in real-world mixed driving, giving fuel costs of roughly £1,200–£1,400 per year at 7,000 miles. Road tax for a March 2018 1.0-litre petrol is £190 per year (standard rate, as it falls outside the £0 VED bracket for cars registered after April 2017 with a list price under £40,000). Insurance sits in groups 5–8 depending on trim, making this one of the cheapest superminis to insure.

Routine maintenance is modest: an annual service typically costs £150–£220, and replacement brake discs and pads for the front axle — relevant given this car's MOT history — usually run £180–£280 including labour. With three clean MOTs in a row, no major replacement items are flagged, but budget around £300–£500 per year for tyres, wear-and-turbeset items and unexpected repairs on a car of this age and mileage.

Prioritise the braking system on inspection: the February 2024 failure flagged pitted and scored nearside and offside front discs, low front pads and fluctuating service brake efficiency. Even though the car passed its 2025 and 2026 tests with no advisories, lift the front wheels and feel for lip on the disc edges and check pad thickness through the caliper window. Pulsation through the brake pedal under firm pressure can indicate residual disc run-out.

Beyond the brakes, inspect the underside for corrosion — a known Fiesta weakness on early Mk7 facelifts and pre-facelift models, particularly around the rear axle and suspension components. Check the clutch for slipping or juddering, listen for timing chain rattle on cold start (a known EcoBoost concern), and verify the air conditioning blows cold. Finally, confirm the registration plate, tyre tread depths (legal minimum 1.6 mm), and that the front and rear lights all function correctly.