FORD CORTINA (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 30 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
47%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1600cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
47% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 35 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1600cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 35 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 10 years old, 47% of FORD CORTINAs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 30 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,722 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
69,722
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 FORD CORTINA has 69,722 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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About the 2016 FORD CORTINA
The 2016 FORD CORTINA is a small family car with a 1600cc petrol engine. 30 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 100% of 2016 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 69,722 miles at 10 years old, FORD CORTINA owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 FORD CORTINA Fuel Costs
The 1600cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 FORD CORTINA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 47% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
Buying a Used 2016 FORD CORTINA
At 10 years old, the FORD CORTINA is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. Note: with only 30 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 FORD CORTINA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 47% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2016 FORD CORTINA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD CORTINA(2016) | 47% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£480 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£607 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£767 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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