Look hard and you can pick up a low-mile Fiesta 1.25, with three doors and not many toys, for £4,500 privately.
If you want much choice, you’ll need £5,000 – at least if you want a diesel. Spend £7,000 and you can have a 2010 1.25 (60) Style, 2009 1.4 Edge or 2009 1.4 TDCi Style+, while £8,000 buys a 2010 1.25 (82) Zetec, 2009 1.4 Zetec or 2009 1.6 TDCi Titanium.
Most petrol Fiestas have done far fewer miles than the diesels, and five-door versions carry a £100 premium over three-door models.
| Model | Insurance group | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions | Annual road tax |
| 1.25 | 5 to 8 | 51mpg | 127g/km | £100 |
| 1.4 | 8 to 9 | 48mpg | 133g/km | £120 |
| 1.6 | 14 | 48mpg | 134g/km | £120 |
| 1.6 1600 S | 17 | 48mpg | 134g/km | £120 |
| 1.4 TDCi | 6 to 8 | 68mpg | 107g/km | £20 |
| 1.6 TDCi | 12 to 13 | 67mpg | 107g/km | £20 |
| 1.6 TDCi ECOnetic | 11 to 12 | 78mpg | 98g/km | £0 |
No matter which engine is fitted, the Fiesta needs a service every 12,500 miles or 12 months. Most check-ups cost £129, but the third and sixth are £250, while the eighth service is £600 for petrol cars, as they have a cambelt. This needs to be replaced every 100,000 miles or eight years, but the diesels are chain-driven.
On top of this, fresh brake fluid is needed every two years (at £50), while the air-con should be checked every service and recharged if necessary (£100). There is no requirement to replace the coolant; it should be checked each service, and topped up as necessary.
For an alternative review of the latest Ford Fiesta Hatchback visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
