1993 Ford Fiesta: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Ford Fiesta?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Ford Fiesta than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.7× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  14% All 1993 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 0.6% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.2× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  8.8% All 1993 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.8%, against 3.9% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 1993 Ford Fiesta MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Ford Fiesta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  33% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  32% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Tyres
  17% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Ford Fiesta

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 1993 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1993 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?