2007 Ford Fiesta 1.2L Petrol · WN07 ODF

The 1.25-litre Duratec petrol engine is reasonably frugal, typically returning around 42-48 mpg in real-world driving, making it economical for a small supermini. Road tax for a 2007 petrol Ford of this engine size falls in a low band, likely costing around £35-£170 per year depending on exact CO2 figures, though pre-2001 and older vehicles registered before April 2017 follow a different schedule. Insurance should be affordable, with the Fiesta 1.25 typically sitting in insurance groups 5-7, making it accessible to younger and less experienced drivers.

Routine maintenance costs are generally modest. Annual servicing for a 1.25 Fiesta typically costs £120-£200 at an independent garage, while brake pads and discs are inexpensive. However, at 102k miles and 19 years of age, budget for higher-than-average wear items: ageing rubber components, suspension bushes, and potential exhaust work. The recent Lambda sensor and exhaust leak issues hint that this car may be entering a phase of more frequent minor repairs.

Estimated annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance should fall in the region of £1,200-£1,600. This assumes average mileage of around 5,000-7,000 miles per year and does not include any unexpected major repairs that could arise on a vehicle of this age.

Focus your inspection on the exhaust system, given the June 2026 failure for a minor exhaust gas leak and an out-of-specification Lambda reading. Listen for ticking or hissing from under the car on a cold start, and check the exhaust hangers and joints for corrosion. A garage can read live sensor data to determine whether the issue is a failing oxygen sensor (£80-£150) or a more costly catalytic converter problem (£300-£600). Do not assume the re-test pass means the underlying issue is fully resolved — the advisory items from the most recent test (tyre damage) confirm ongoing wear.

Inspect all four tyres carefully for cracking, perishing, and uneven wear. The MOT recorded damage on both the nearside front and rear tyres, suggesting the rubber may be ageing beyond its service life. Check the headlamp alignment yourself by parking on level ground facing a wall — both beams should be level and slightly below the horizontal. Given the aggregate data showing headlamp issues as a top failure reason for this model, this is a known weak point worth verifying.

Finally, examine the bodywork for rust, particularly around the rear wheel arches, door sills, and under the front suspension turrets — areas where the Ford Fiesta of this generation is known to corrode. Check that all electrics work, including the heater fan, indicators, and central locking, and verify the cooling system is in good condition with no signs of leaks or contamination.