Ford Fiesta or Peugeot 208 for our son taking his test?

We are looking at a 2016 Ford Fiesta 1.0-litre with 32,000 miles on the clock and a 2018 Peugeot 208 1.2 (54,000 miles) for a first car for our son who is about to take his practical driving test.

Which is the better car, cheapest to maintain and the safest?

Nick Williams ( Maynards Green, Heathfield, TN2)

Mar 2026 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Nick,

It might be tempting to go with the newer car, but the Peugeot engine has what's called a 'wet belt' and these can be problematic. Unless it has had more oil changes than is recommended, we'd shy away from this car. Shame as it's otherwise nice, and newer than the Fiesta.

Still, the Fiesta (and we're assuming you mean the 80hp non-EcoBoost one) is a great choice. The Peugeot and Ford are contemporaries when it comes to safety equipment and standards with the Fiesta slightly better anyway.

All in all, if those are the two cars on your shortlist, we wouldn't hesitate to say go for the Fiesta.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor