Ford Fiesta (1993)
1993 Ford Fiesta
CarHunch analysed 40,938 real MOT records for the 1993 Ford Fiesta. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1993 Ford Fiesta is significantly less reliable than the UK average, with a first-time pass rate of just 59.5% against the 80% benchmark—meaning four in ten don't pass their MOT without repairs. While dangerous defects affect only 10% of vehicles, the core concern is that nearly half will fail their test, indicating substantial wear and deterioration typical of a 30-year-old car.
At 65,000 km median mileage for age, these Fiestas show reasonable usage patterns, but the average of 1.54 failures and 3.5 advisories per vehicle tells you that mechanical and cosmetic problems are widespread—expect spending on suspension, exhaust, and brake components. If you're considering one, budget heavily for an independent pre-purchase inspection and factor in annual MOT failure risk; this is a car for enthusiasts prepared for ongoing maintenance, not practical daily transport.
What to check before buying a 1993 Ford Fiesta
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford Fiesta
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (85%) | 34,908 | 59.7% | 1.57 |
| Diesel (15%) | 6,027 | 58.5% | 1.41 |
| Electric (0%) | 2 | 31.3% | 3.5 |
| LPG (0%) | 1 | 50% | 4 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1993 Ford Fiesta vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1993 Ford Fiesta vehicles fall between 44,914 and 80,286 miles.
1993 Ford Fiesta — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 126 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (13% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1993 Ford Fiesta
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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21.3%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive
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19.7%
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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17.8%
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded
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17.7%
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded
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15.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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15.1%
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded
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15.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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14.6%
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1993. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Ford Fiesta?
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