Used Ford Focus Buying Guide
The Ford Focus has been a fixture of the UK family hatchback class since 1998, and it earned that longevity by driving better than almost anything else at the price. On the used market the two generations you will see most are the third-generation car (2011–2018) and the final fourth-generation model (2018–2025), which added a longer wheelbase, more rear legroom and a much cleaner interior. Estate versions add genuine load-lugging ability, and the breadth of engines and trims means there is a Focus for almost every budget.
Engines and trims
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder petrol is the volume engine, typically in 100PS, 125PS or 155PS mild-hybrid outputs on later cars; the 125PS version is the all-round pick. The fourth-generation car also offered a 1.5 EcoBoost with three cylinders and stronger mid-range pull, which suits motorway drivers who don’t want diesel. Speaking of which, the 1.5 and 2.0 TDCi/EcoBlue diesels remain excellent for high-mileage use, with the 2.0 offering effortless cruising. Enthusiasts are served by the ST — 2.0 EcoBoost petrol or 2.0 diesel in the third generation, a 2.3 EcoBoost in the last — and the earlier RS models sit in collector territory.
Zetec and later ST-Line trims dominate the classifieds. Zetec covers the essentials, Titanium adds comfort and convenience kit, and ST-Line brings sports styling and firmer suspension. On 2018-on cars, look for examples with the larger SYNC 3 touchscreen, and ideally the Driver Assistance Pack, which added adaptive cruise and other active-safety features.
What to check before buying
Early third-generation 1.0 EcoBoost engines share the degas-pipe coolant issue seen elsewhere in Ford’s range, so check for the updated part, stable coolant level and no signs of overheating in the history. Later 1.0 and 1.5 EcoBoost units use a wet-belt (belt-in-oil) system: correct oil grade and on-schedule changes are critical, and a car approaching the belt-change interval should be priced accordingly. Automatics need care too — mid-2010s cars used the Powershift dual-clutch gearbox, which can shudder or hesitate when worn, while 2018-on cars moved to a smoother eight-speed torque-converter auto that has proven more robust. Also check the rear suspension for knocks and worn bushes, confirm the infotainment and digital displays work faultlessly, and make sure all recalls are recorded as complete. Estate versions deserve extra attention around the boot floor and load-bay trim for hard-use wear. If an ST tempts you, insist on evidence of sympathetic ownership and regular oil changes, as modified or hard-driven examples are common in the classifieds.
Running costs
A used Focus is cheap to keep by family-car standards. The 1.0 EcoBoost typically returns mid-40s to low-50s mpg in real-world driving, the diesels comfortably better on a run, and the mild-hybrid petrols narrow the gap around town. Insurance groups for mainstream versions are modest, servicing costs are low thanks to plentiful independent specialists, and parts are about as cheap as they come. Post-April 2017 cars pay flat-rate road tax; earlier diesels with very low CO2 can cost less per year. Coil springs and drop links are routine consumables on higher-mileage cars, so listen for knocks over bumps and factor a minor suspension refresh into your budget.
Verdict
The Focus is still one of the most satisfying family hatchbacks to drive, and well-kept examples are plentiful. Prioritise service history over headline mileage, treat neglected wet-belt engines and tired Powershift automatics with caution, and a 1.0 or 1.5 EcoBoost in Zetec, Titanium or ST-Line trim should prove a rewarding, affordable buy.
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