2011 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · ML11 ACY

The 1.24-litre petrol Ford Fiesta is one of the most economical small cars on the market, typically returning 40-50 mpg in mixed driving and around 55 mpg on a motorway run. As a 2011 petrol vehicle, it falls into VED Band C or D depending on exact CO2 output, costing around £30-£165 per year in road tax — though post-2017 rules mean vehicles registered before April 2017 with original list prices continue on their original bands. Insurance should be modest, typically falling into groups 4-7, making this a budget-friendly choice for younger or newer drivers. Routine servicing (oil, filter, plugs) for the 1.25 Duratec engine is straightforward and inexpensive, generally £120-£180 per service at an independent garage.

The most pressing inspection priorities are the front brake pipes, which have been flagged for corrosion in three consecutive MOTs (2023, 2024 failure, and 2024 retest). Brake pipe replacement is a relatively simple job but essential for safety, and corrosion at this level on a 15-year-old car suggests other underbody components may also be deteriorating. Closely inspect the front sub-frame for any advanced corrosion beyond what was recorded — the MOT advisory of 'corroded but not seriously weakened' suggests it is borderline and may fail outright at the next test. The 2024 failure also flagged a worn nearside front suspension ball joint, so jack the car up and check for play in the front suspension by hand, and look for perished rear tyres since cracking was noted.

Beyond the MOT-flagged items, this 1.25-litre Duratec engine is known for cam belt issues if the replacement schedule has been ignored — typically due every 10 years or 125,000 miles, so this car is approaching its first scheduled replacement. Ask for confirmation that the timing belt (if fitted) or timing chain has been serviced. Check for oil leaks from the engine, as an engine oil leak was noted in the 2023 MOT. Also inspect the exhaust system for the kind of corrosion that commonly fails Fiesta MOTs, and test all exterior lighting including the rear stop lamps that were defective at the 2024 test. A final underbody inspection on a ramp is strongly recommended given the corrosion pattern observed.