Ford Dorchester (2011)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 77 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,153
£263/month
MOT Pass Rate
88%
Good
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3984cc Petrol
Solid Option
88% pass rate, £3,153/year to run. 6 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data.
88% of MOT tests on Ford Dorchesters from 2011 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 13 years old. That's based on 77 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 62,263 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
62,263
Average miles
96,200
Expected for age
The average 2011 Ford Dorchester had 62,263 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2008 model has the lowest at 86%. The 2011 scores 88%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Ford Dorchester by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2011 Ford Dorchester
The 2011 Ford Dorchester is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3984cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 77 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 24% of all 2011 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 62,263 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Dorchester owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2011 Ford Dorchester Fuel Costs
The 3984cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2011 Ford Dorchester?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,153 (£263/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 2011 Ford Dorchester
At 15 years old, the Ford Dorchester 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2007 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. Note: with only 77 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 15 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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.
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 2011 Ford Dorchester stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Dorchester(2011) | 88% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153 |
| Mercedes E(2010) | 80% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153same |
| Volvo XC90(2009) | 78% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303+£150 |
| Porsche 911(2012) | 95% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003-£150 |
| Bentley Continental(2013) | 96% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,003-£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2011 Ford Dorchester
Is the 2011 Ford Dorchester reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of MOT tests on 2011 Ford Dorchesters ended in a pass, from 77 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2011 Ford Dorchester cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,153 a year (£263 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Ford Dorchester?
88% of 77 MOT tests on the 2011 Ford Dorchester ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 141st of 595 models first registered in 2011 (top 24%).
Which year Ford Dorchester has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2007 Ford Dorchester has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 2008 the lowest at 86%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2011 Ford Dorchester?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2011 Ford Dorchester is 62,263 miles, which is below the expected 96,200 miles for a 13-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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