Used Ford Fiesta

What to know before buying: Ford Fiesta

From 5 video reviews, 1 forum thread and 1 press test · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The Mk6 Fiesta is compact and economical, with precise steering and engaging handling among its strongest qualities.[3][7]Fiesta Mk6
• The 2013–2017 version has tight rear knee- and headroom, a firm ride and noticeable tyre noise at speed.[7]one sourceFiesta Mk6
• The reviewed facelifted ST-Line has a well-made cabin and user-friendly SYNC 3, but its sports suspension feels harsh in town.[1]one source
• The 2003 1.4-litre Fiesta was judged an agile city car with logical controls and a flexible engine, but tiring seats and soft-feeling brakes.[4]one source

Typical faults

• Mk6 1.0- and 1.6-litre petrol engines are reported to suffer timing-chain stretch after 100,000 km, signalled by noise on cold starts.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6

  100 000+ km · 1.0 petrol, 1.6 petrol

• The Mk6 PowerShift dual-clutch transmission may develop clutch slip around 50,000 km, along with reported jerking, delayed shifts and overheating.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6

  50 000+ km

• Mk6 cars with the 1.6 TDCi are reported to suffer blocked particulate filters and turbo wear at around 80,000 km.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6

  80 000+ km · 1.6 TDCi

• Mk6 front control-arm bushes may wear around 40,000 km, while ball joints and tie-rod ends are reported to last 30,000–50,000 km, causing knocks and vibration.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6

  30 000–50 000 km

• Mk6 cars are reported to develop rust along the lower sills and wheelarches after 5–7 years; cracked seam sealer may admit water into doors and the bonnet.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6
• Fiesta air-conditioning systems are reported to suffer seal and compressor wear, potentially causing refrigerant loss, noise and reduced cooling.[5]one source

Which engine and version to take

• For 2013–2017 cars, the 100 hp 1.0 EcoBoost petrol is recommended for most buyers because it provides adequate performance.[7]one sourceFiesta Mk6
• In the tested 2003 Fiesta, the 1.4-litre petrol was described as sufficiently powerful for the light car, flexible and well suited to city use.[4]one source

What to avoid

• In the reviewed newer Fiesta, the naturally aspirated 1.1-litre petrol is not recommended because it lacks power; the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo is preferred.[6]one source
• The Mk6 1.6 TDCi is the riskier choice because of the reported particulate-filter blockage and turbo wear.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6

What to check at the inspection

• Start Mk6 1.0- and 1.6-litre petrol engines from cold and listen for timing-drive rattles; check the maintenance and repair records.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6
• On a PowerShift car, test pull-away, slow stop-start driving and the first-to-second shift; reject slipping, jerking or delayed engagement.[3][2]Fiesta Mk6
• During an Mk6 test drive, listen for front-end knocks and feel for vibration; inspect the control-arm bushes, ball joints and tie-rod ends.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6
• Inspect the Mk6 lower sills, wheelarches, doors and bonnet carefully for rust, paint chips and cracked seam sealer.[3]one sourceFiesta Mk6
• Run the air conditioning and confirm that it cools quickly and evenly; listen for compressor noise and test the system if cooling is weak.[5]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]CarGurus UK — Ford Fiesta ST Line Review · ▶ video
2. [2]Суворкин Сергей — Ford Fiesta. One of the best in its class IF NOT FOR… · ▶ video
3. [3]ТопАвто — ТОП проблем Ford Fiesta 6 Mk6 2008-2017 | Самые частые неисправности и недостатки · ▶ video
4. [4]iauto.lv — Tests: Mazais tušiņš, jeb Ford Fiesta · forum
5. [5]kondicio.lv — FORD FIESTA - Kondicioniera Remonts, Gāzes Uzpilde un ... · press
6. [6]carwow — Ford Fiesta 2020 detailed in-depth review | carwow Reviews · ▶ video
7. [7]carwow — Ford Fiesta 2013-2017 review | Mat Watson Reviews · ▶ video

Spotted an error? Tell us