Ford Fiesta (1990)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 479 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,810

£151/month

MOT Pass Rate

83%

Good

Road Tax

£230

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 5-15

1117cc Petrol

Solid Option

83% pass rate, £1,810/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1117cc36 years old479 tests53k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1117cc)

~50 mpg

£1,175

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£230

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,810

Per month£151/mo

Per week£35/wk

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

83% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

83% of MOT tests on Ford Fiestas from 1990 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 34 years old. That's based on 479 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 53,299 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1990 models65th of 182(top half)

Rank among Ford models732nd of 1,136(bottom half)

vs average of all models+1%(82% avg)

vs 1990 models average+4%(79% avg)

vs Ford average-2%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

53,299

Average miles

251,600

Expected for age

The average 1990 Ford Fiesta had 53,299 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1990 scores 83%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Fiesta by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	93%	404	18,726 mi
2021	94%	6,234	22,177 mi
2020	91%	34,173	29,611 mi
2019	91%	124,950	34,738 mi
2018	90%	157,746	42,265 mi
2017	85%	154,616	48,995 mi
2016	81%	205,128	56,940 mi
2015	81%	225,575	63,696 mi
2014	79%	224,536	71,010 mi
2013	77%	211,536	77,629 mi
2012	75%	185,847	83,104 mi
2011	75%	161,778	90,389 mi
2010	73%	165,879	95,140 mi
2009	72%	180,029	96,775 mi
2008	72%	109,443	95,143 mi
2007	72%	99,442	96,164 mi
2006	70%	81,463	97,129 mi
2005	70%	48,429	97,715 mi
2004	71%	39,183	97,910 mi
2003	71%	29,898	96,816 mi
2002	70%	14,118	88,471 mi
2001	68%	4,970	72,535 mi
2000	67%	2,809	71,739 mi
1999	67%	4,854	66,066 mi
1998	65%	4,382	56,318 mi
1997	66%	1,926	57,252 mi
1996	71%	1,061	51,823 mi
1995	74%	859	53,478 mi
1994	77%	616	50,884 mi
1993	69%	565	50,329 mi
1992	76%	545	53,988 mi
1991	84%	854	51,137 mi
1990	83%	479	53,299 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Rover Mini

1990 · 998cc Petrol

£1,810/year

80%

-3%

Ford Escort

1990 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,178/year

85%

+2%

Peugeot 205

1990 · 1360cc Petrol

£2,033/year

80%

-3%

Mazda MX-5

1991 · 1597cc Petrol

£2,328/year

78%

-5%

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About the 1990 Ford Fiesta

The 1990 Ford Fiesta is a city car. Our records list a 1117cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 479 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1990, the average MOT pass rate is 79%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 53,299 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Fiesta owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1990 Ford Fiesta Fuel Costs

The modest 1117cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,175 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 1990 Ford Fiesta?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,810 (£151/month), broken down as £1,175 fuel, £230 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 83% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Fiesta Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Fiestas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 1990 Ford Fiesta

At 36 years old, the Ford Fiesta 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94%.

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.

Coil Pack Failure

Medium risk

Smaller petrol engines are prone to ignition coil failures, causing misfires and rough running. Replacement is £50-£150 per coil.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 1990 Ford Fiesta 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 Fiesta(1990)	83%	£1,175	£230	Grp 5-15	£1,810
Rover Mini(1990)	80%	£1,175	£230	Grp 1-8	£1,810same
Ford Escort(1990)	85%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,178+£368
Peugeot 205(1990)	80%	£1,398	£230	Grp 8-20	£2,033+£223
Mazda MX-5(1991)	78%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328+£518

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 1990 Ford Fiesta

Is the 1990 Ford Fiesta reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 83% of MOT tests on 1990 Ford Fiestas ended in a pass, from 479 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1990 Ford Fiesta cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,810 a year (£151 a month): £1,175 fuel, £230 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 1990 Ford Fiesta?

83% of 479 MOT tests on the 1990 Ford Fiesta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 65th of 182 models first registered in 1990 (top half).

Which year Ford Fiesta has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Ford Fiesta has the highest MOT pass rate at 94% and the 1998 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1990 Ford Fiesta?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1990 Ford Fiesta is 53,299 miles, which is significantly below the expected 251,600 miles for a 34-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.