Most 2018 Fiestas are 5-door superminis commonly fitted with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol and a 6-speed automatic option; the 1.0 is economical but relies on regular oil changes. Some automatics in this generation used Ford's Powershift dual-clutch gearbox which can be jerky or develop clutch issues if not serviced — check transmission history and how it shifts in town. Stop/start battery age and turbo hoses are worth noting on an 8-year-old petrol with urban use.

• Automatic gearbox behaviour: test for hesitation, jerking or slipping in slow traffic and ask for any gearbox fluid/service history (Powershift DCT issues reported).
• Turbo and intake hoses: listen for unusual whistles and check for boost leaks or oil residue around the turbo/intercooler pipes.
• Signs of oil neglect: check for external oil leaks, heavy oil consumption or irregular idling which can indicate past service lapses on Ecoboost engines.
• Suspension and anti-roll links: check for knocks over bumps and uneven tyre wear (common on older small cars in Irish roads).
• Battery/stop-start function: verify reliable starting and that the stop/start system works — battery replacement is a common near-term cost.