Ford Fiesta (2006)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 81,463 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£1,944

£162/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£170

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 8-20

1399cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel1399cc20 years old81,463 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1399cc)

~55 mpg

£1,219

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£170

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£1,944

Per month£162/mo

Per week£37/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p 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

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

70% of MOT tests on Ford Fiestas from 2006 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 18 years old. That's based on 81,463 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,129 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2006 models387th of 554(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models1012th of 1,136(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-12%(82% avg)

vs 2006 models average-3%(73% avg)

vs Ford average-15%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,129

Average miles

133,200

Expected for age

The average 2006 Ford Fiesta had 97,129 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-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 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2006 scores 70%. 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

Volkswagen Golf

2007 · 1896cc Diesel

£2,227/year

73%

+3%

Vauxhall Astra

2008 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+2%

Vauxhall Corsa

2007 · 1248cc Diesel

£1,944/year

72%

+2%

Volkswagen Polo

2008 · 1400cc Diesel

£1,944/year

70%

same

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About the 2006 Ford Fiesta

The 2006 Ford Fiesta is a small family car. Our records list a 1399cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 81,463 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2006, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 97,129 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Fiesta owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2006 Ford Fiesta Fuel Costs

The 1399cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2006 Ford Fiesta?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% 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 2006 Ford Fiesta

At 20 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%. With 81,463 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

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.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 97k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

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 2006 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(2006)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944
Volkswagen Golf(2007)	73%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£283
Vauxhall Astra(2008)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Vauxhall Corsa(2007)	72%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same
Volkswagen Polo(2008)	70%	£1,219	£170	Grp 8-20	£1,944same

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 2006 Ford Fiesta

Is the 2006 Ford Fiesta reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of MOT tests on 2006 Ford Fiestas ended in a pass, from 81,463 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 12 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2006 Ford Fiesta cost to run?

Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Ford Fiesta?

70% of 81,463 MOT tests on the 2006 Ford Fiesta ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 387th of 554 models first registered in 2006 (bottom 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 2006 Ford Fiesta?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2006 Ford Fiesta is 97,129 miles, which is below the expected 133,200 miles for a 18-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.