The Ford Fiesta is the most popular used car in the UK, and for most people, that popularity is completely justified. It's fun to drive, practical for its size, cheap to insure and run, and there are so many of them on the market that you have real choice at every budget. But not all Fiestas are equal, and there are a few versions you should steer clear of.
Which Generation to Buy
The Fiesta has gone through several major overhauls. Here's where to focus your search:
- 2013–2017 (Mk7 facelift) — The sweet spot. Modern enough, affordable enough, and the problems of the earlier cars have been ironed out. This is where most buyers should start.
- 2017–2022 (Mk8) — More tech, better safety, nicer interior. Pay more, but you're getting a genuinely more modern car. The 1.0 EcoBoost is the engine to have.
- Pre-2013 — Fine cars, but they're ageing now. At these prices you're taking on older technology and higher maintenance risk.
Best Engines
1.0 EcoBoost (100ps or 125ps) — This is the one. Ford's 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo won multiple engine of the year awards and for good reason. Punchy, fuel-efficient (easily 40–50mpg in real-world use), and reliable when serviced on time. This is the engine to buy.
1.25 naturally aspirated — Simple, reliable, cheap to fix. Not fast, but not trying to be. Good for city use and low budgets.
1.5 TDCi diesel — Only makes sense if you cover 15,000+ miles a year. The DPF needs longer runs to regenerate properly — city-only driving causes expensive issues.
Versions to Avoid
PowerShift automatic — Ford's dual-clutch automatic gearbox was fitted to some Fiesta models and had a well-documented history of juddering, hesitation, and expensive failures. If you want an automatic Fiesta, make sure it has a regular torque converter auto, not a PowerShift.
ST-Line with wear and no service history — The ST-Line is popular with younger buyers, which sometimes means it's been driven harder. Check service history carefully.
Common Problems to Check
- Clutch wear — check the biting point isn't very high
- Rear beam suspension — clunks over bumps can indicate worn bushes
- EcoBoost coolant loss — earlier 1.0 EcoBoosts had a known issue with coolant loss; check the coolant level and look for any white residue around the expansion tank
- Rust on the rear arches — especially on pre-2015 cars
What to Pay in 2026
- 2013–2015 Fiesta, 1.0 EcoBoost, ~70,000 miles: £4,500–£6,500
- 2017–2019 Fiesta, 1.0 EcoBoost, ~50,000 miles: £7,500–£10,000
- 2020–2022 Fiesta, low mileage: £11,000–£14,000
Browse used Ford Fiestas for sale on AllCarsUK — or find one near you in London, Manchester, or Birmingham.