Ford Escort (2016)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 33 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,211
£184/month
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Excellent
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
2000cc Petrol
Great Choice
100% pass rate, £2,211/year to run. 18 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 18 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Ford brand average of 85%.
100% of MOT tests on Ford Escorts from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 33 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 49,005 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
49,005
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2016 Ford Escort had 49,005 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 71%. The 2016 scores 100%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Ford Escort by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 100% | 32 | 32,761 mi | |
| 2016 | 100% | 33 | 49,005 mi | |
| 2015 | 91% | 34 | 45,109 mi | |
| 2002 | 74% | 525 | 107,053 mi | |
| 2001 | 71% | 695 | 98,376 mi | |
| 2000 | 71% | 801 | 83,996 mi | |
| 1999 | 71% | 706 | 55,466 mi | |
| 1998 | 74% | 1,292 | 59,153 mi | |
| 1997 | 72% | 1,797 | 56,799 mi | |
| 1996 | 77% | 1,820 | 56,809 mi | |
| 1995 | 81% | 1,377 | 52,782 mi | |
| 1994 | 83% | 1,008 | 57,612 mi | |
| 1993 | 83% | 1,097 | 51,371 mi | |
| 1992 | 88% | 733 | 50,276 mi | |
| 1991 | 85% | 782 | 53,590 mi | |
| 1990 | 85% | 2,672 | 52,314 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2016 Ford Escort
The 2016 Ford Escort is a family car. Our records list a 2000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 33 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2016 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 49,005 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Escort owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 Ford Escort Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2016 Ford Escort?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,211 (£184/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 100% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Ford Escort Reliability Trend
Older Ford Escorts tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 11 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2016 Ford Escort
At 10 years old, the Ford Escort 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 1992 model has the highest pass rate at 88%. Note: with only 33 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 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.
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 2016 Ford Escort 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 Escort(2016) | 100% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,211 |
| Ford Focus(2014) | 80% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078-£133 |
| Nissan Qashqai(2014) | 78% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£17 |
| Mercedes C(2014) | 85% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,078-£133 |
| Hyundai i10(2017) | 88% | £1,398 | £200 | Grp 12-25 | £2,003-£208 |
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 2016 Ford Escort
Is the 2016 Ford Escort reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 100% of MOT tests on 2016 Ford Escorts ended in a pass, from 33 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2016 Ford Escort cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,211 a year (£184 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Ford Escort?
100% of 33 MOT tests on the 2016 Ford Escort ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 11th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (top 3%).
Which year Ford Escort has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1992 Ford Escort has the highest MOT pass rate at 88% and the 2001 the lowest at 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2016 Ford Escort?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Ford Escort is 49,005 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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