Used Ford Fiesta for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 4,600
Average Price: Around £8,300

Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2008-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comfortable and entertaining drive	Not quite as reliable as a Hyundai i20
Excellent Ecoboost engines	Underpowered entry-level 1.25-litre engine
Low fuel and insurance bills	So-so build quality

Quick Summary

The Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2008-2017) is Britain's best-selling supermini, renowned for delivering an exceptional driving experience that rivals cars costing significantly more. It combines a comfortable, compliant ride with crisp, engaging handling and pin-sharp steering, making it equally suited to town driving, motorway cruising, and spirited bends. The car offers a 290-litre boot—one of the largest in its class—with 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and the interior is logically laid out with plenty of storage and good visibility. A wide range of engines is available, from economical diesels achieving up to 70mpg in real-world driving to the excellent Ecoboost petrols and the thrilling ST hot hatch with its 1.6-litre turbo.

Running costs are impressively low, with many models qualifying for zero road tax thanks to sub-120g/km CO2 emissions, whilst insurance groups are generally very affordable. The Fiesta's mechanical simplicity means repairs are typically inexpensive, though timing belt issues can occur on some engines. Build quality is adequate rather than premium, and the infotainment system feels dated. Despite some reliability concerns compared to rivals like the Hyundai i20, the Fiesta remains an excellent used buy, offering practicality, affordability, and genuine driving satisfaction for families and enthusiasts alike.

Best for: Drivers seeking an engaging, comfortable supermini with low running costs, families needing a practical town car, and those wanting an affordable hot hatch (ST).

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising premium build quality, maximum reliability, or those requiring the most spacious rear seats in the class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Fiesta if: You're seeking an engaging, comfortable supermini with low running costs, need a practical town car for families, or want an affordable hot hatch (ST).

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise premium build quality, maximum reliability, or require the most spacious rear seats in the class.

Competitive Position: The Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2008-2017) stands out as the driving enthusiast's choice in the supermini segment, offering a level of dynamic polish and engagement that rivals cost significantly more to achieve. Whilst the Volkswagen Polo offers greater premium appeal and the Skoda Fabia provides marginally better reliability and user satisfaction, the Fiesta's superior driving dynamics, excellent Ecoboost engines, and genuinely low running costs make it the standout choice for those who value the experience behind the wheel. It represents outstanding value as a used buy, with plenty of examples available and strong affordability across fuel, tax, and insurance.

Read our full Ford Fiesta Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.