- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 70
- Average repair cost
- £925
- Most regular repair request
- Gearbox
- Average age at repair
- 8 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 66,400 miles
The UK’s most popular used car
Ford has a reputation for being dependable, making them a popular selection in the used car market. In fact, the Ford Fiesta is the UK’s most popular car [1], and is extensively praised for its above average reliability.
To offer our customers some real insight into its reliability, we decided to score the Ford Fiesta against our own Reliability Index criteria. The Fiesta scored a very respectable 70 out of 100, but what does that mean?
What does our data say?
Our Index data reveals that the most regular Ford Fiesta repair area is the gearbox. Gearbox problems occur when there are issues with transmission, and symptoms can include leaking fluid, clunking noises, and strain when changing gears. Most transmission procedures can be completed relatively quickly on a Ford Fiesta, especially if you’ve got our friendly warranty experts to help, so as far as repairs go, this shouldn’t be too troublesome.
The Index data suggests that the average age of the Ford Fiesta at the time requested repairs is 8 years which is a good indication of the Fiesta’s reliability. Our index data also tells us that the average mileage of Ford Fiesta’s at the time of requested repairs is 66,400 miles. According to KwikFit, most vehicles will run smoothly until the 50,000 to 80,000-mile benchmark [2]. This is another good sign that a Fiesta is likely to last you a long time before experiencing any trouble. However, in the event that your Fiesta does run into a problem, an extended warranty can help protect you against any unexpected (and unwanted!) costs.
Is the Fiesta practical?
It’s clear to see why the Fiesta is the most popular car in the UK. It’s small, town and motorway friendly, and fun to drive. The Fiesta offers plenty of leg and head room in the front, although space in the rear isn’t quite as generous. That being said, there is enough room for three adults, as long as they don’t mind a bit of a squeeze! Ford has equipped the Fiesta with a good amount of storage and boot space, and the rear bench folds down easily should you need more room.
The Ford Fiesta is a hatchback, making it one of the most affordable car types. You can get a second-hand Ford Fiesta from starting prices of around £3,000, making it extremely popular among first time and young drivers.
Living with the Fiesta
The Fiesta is efficient, consistent, and cost effective. You’d expect good fuel economy and modest running costs from any small hatchback, and that’s certainly the case here. On average, the Fiesta will achieve a very reasonable 40 to 50 miles per gallon. Insurance wise, most Ford Fiesta models sit between groups 3 and 7, meaning you could get a fairly good deal.
Are Ford Fiestas worth buying?
Based on its affordability and reliability, the Ford Fiesta is a fantastic car. But no vehicle is immune to faults. We’ve found that the average repair request for a Ford Fiesta costs £925, and the highest Fiesta repair request we’ve received is a huge £9,500.40! Choose peace of mind and protect yourself with an extended warranty.
Ford owners are looking to Warrantywise to help protect them from unexpected repair costs. Don’t forget you’ll get unlimited repairs, emergency breakdown, car hire, onward travel and a UK call centre all as standard. Check out our extended warranty for your Ford.
Reliability ratings for the 10 most popular cars in the UK
These are the most popular cars as purchased by you in 2023 (source SMMT top 10 used car sales 2023). We’ve given each car a reliability rating out of 100 along with key reliability insights such as average repair cost, most expensive repair request and average age at repair. Please note, since the SMMT does not report on MINI models, we cannot provide model-specific reliability data.
Sources
Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage and average labour time, from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2023, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on plan. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2023. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQs.
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A used car warranty can help manage the cost of unexpected repairs after a manufacturer’s warranty ends. Warranty plans vary, so check the plan documentation carefully for listed components, exclusions, repair limits and any conditions you need to follow.
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A discretionary warranty means each repair request is assessed individually, based on its particular circumstances rather than relying on automated systems. This allows the full context of each request to be considered before a decision is made.
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An extended warranty can help you manage the cost of mechanical or electrical repairs once the manufacturer’s warrant has ended. Add-ons such as breakdown recovery, car hire or onward travel may also be available depending on the plan level.
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The warranty plan options available to you will depend on factors such as your vehicle’s age and mileage. You can then tailor selected features and limits to reflect your needs and budget.
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Yes. You can use a VAT-registered garage of your choice or a Warrantywise Authorised Repairer. If you use your own garage, check that the labour rate is within the limit shown on your plan schedule.
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Once Warrantywise has provided written authorisation, the garage can carry out the agreed repair. If further work or a change in cost is needed, the garage must contact Warrantywise and receive additional authorisation before continuing.
Payment arrangements depend on the garage you use. Warrantywise will normally pay the agreed repair contribution directly to an Authorised Repairer. If you use your own VAT-registered garage, you may need to pay first and provide the required documentation for reimbursement.
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If your car’s most recent service was completed in line with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, you may not need to service it before your plan starts.
You will need to arrange a service within 14 days if you are unable to provide evidence of servicing, and you must follow the recommended schedule throughout the plan.
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Regular servicing helps maintain your vehicle and provides evidence that you have followed the plan requirements. Keep your service invoices and records, as Warrantywise may request them when assessing a repair request.
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Before the plan starts, the vehicle’s servicing must be brought up to date in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, including any recommended upkeep. You will need to provide evidence that the required service and any associated work have been completed.
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No, you do not usually need to have your car inspected before taking out a Warrantywise plan. However, you will need to provide accurate information about your vehicle such as its age, mileage and service history.
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Warrantywise plans may be available monthly or for fixed terms of 12, 24 or 36 months. The terms and prices available for your vehicle will be shown in your quotation.
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You can pay for your Warrantywise plan in full, spread the cost over four months or choose a monthly pay-as-you-go option. Before choosing, check the payment schedule so you understand how much you will pay, when payments are due and how the pay-as-you-go option works.
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You can receive a full refund if you cancel within 14 days, provided you have not asked Warrantywise to contribute towards a repair. Check your plan book for the full cancellation conditions.
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If your car breaks down outside Warrantywise’s repairs office hours, including at weekends or during bank holidays, call the 24-hour breakdown assistance line on 0800 054 2174. Always follow the out-of-hours repair procedure in your plan book before agreeing to any repair work.
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Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so, as continuing could cause further damage. Contact the Warrantywise repairs team on 01254 648 212 for the next steps, ans do not authorise repair work until you have received written authorisation from Warrantywise.
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Electrical parts are components that use, generate, store or control electrical power within your car, for example sensors, control units and dashboard displays. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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Mechanical parts are components that use movement or force to help your car operate, for example parts within the engine, steering and suspension systems. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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If your car breaks down while you are travelling abroad, you will need to arrange and pay for recovery. If the vehicle requires repairs, contact Warrantywise as soon as possible and follow the repair procedure set out in your plan book.
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If your vehicle is off the road while an authorised repair is being completed, Warrantywise may contribute towards the cost of a hire car for up to 10 days. Check your plan book for full details, including any daily rate or vehicle-type limits.
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The plan cannot be transferred from your current car to another vehicle, however you may be able to cancel it and put any remaining balance towards a new Warrantywise plan for your own or a family member’s vehicle.
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If you are unhappy with the service you have received, you can contact us via post, online form or by phone. Visit our Complaints page for more information.
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Our customer service teams are based in our Blackburn office. When you contact Warrantywise about a repair request, complaint or question about your warranty plan, you’ll speak to a member of the relevant team who will guide you through the next steps.
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Edd China fulfils the role of expert adjudicator, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of expert adjudicator to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.