Your guide to buying a reliable used Ford Focus

Telegraph

29-04-2025

It really is the end of the road. Ford has confirmed that the hatchback that has helped move millions of families in style and comfort – and with a dash of driving pleasure thrown in – will be discontinued in November this year.
That leaves a few months to get hold of a new one – but with tens of thousands of Focuses still on the road in the UK, finding a good used example isn't hard.
And given that the Focus has been in production for 27 years, early examples are knocking on the door of classic status. Second-generation cars, meanwhile, make brilliant banger fodder, while third- and fourth-generation models are still commonly found on forecourts.
In other words, as with the slightly smaller (and similarly discontinued) Fiesta, there's a Focus for everyone. Here's what you need to know before buying one.
Mk1 – the original
How old is it? This first-generation Focus was sold in the UK from 1998 to 2005
How much does it cost?* Prices start from £500
What's good about it? Sharp handling, lots of space, perky engines, extrovert styling, bound for classic status
What's not so good? Cheap interior plastics, lacklustre 1.4, nasty diesels, fake wood on top-spec Ghia versions
What's the Mk1 like?
An absolute revelation when it was introduced to replace the stodgy old Escort, the original Focus was a radical departure for Ford and completed the company's turnaround from maker of moribund 'pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap' fleet specials to cars you'd actually want to buy.
It looked like no other family hatchbaVk, both inside and out, while under the skin the honed suspension delivered a supple ride combined with handling that wouldn't shame the better hot hatchbacks of the time. Engines were smooth and responsive, while the swooping interior was light and airy. It wasn't quite as well built as the equivalent Volkswagen Golf, or even the Vauxhall Astra of the time – but it was much more exciting to look at and drive.
Which is the best version?
The best-seller was the mid-range 1.6 Zetec, a great option that showcases many of the Focus's talents. That said, upgrading to the 1.8 brings a welcome dose of extra power; those seeking thrills on a budget, however, might consider an ST170. The potent RS models are tremendously exciting – but also extremely expensive now.
Is the Mk1 reliable?
Yes, if it's been well looked-after – and there's the rub. Early Focuses have for so long been lodged firmly in banger territory that many will have been neglected, so finding one that's been serviced on time and on mileage, and had money spent where it was required, is tricky. If you can do so, though, a Focus should be dependable.
What do I need to look out for?
Rust is the greatest issue. Expect to find some somewhere, basically – and budget for frequent high-quality welding repairs over time. Also keep an eye out for sticky valves, dodgy fuel injectors and intermittent warning lights. Check all the electrics, too, as water can get into control units, and ensure the heater works on all fan speeds. Finally, erratic behaviour from the instrument cluster is a common problem, though easily fixable.
We found
2001 1.6 Zetec, 44,000 miles, 12 months' MOT, £1,825
Mk2 – the thinking man's Focus
How old is it? This second-generation Focus was sold in the UK from 2005 to 2011
How much does it cost?* Prices start from £500
What's good about it? Great all-round blend of quality, equipment, comfort, driver enjoyment and space; brilliant performance models
What's not so good? Some less reliable engine options, convertibles can be a liability
What's the Mk2 like?
Ford toned down the Mk1's zany styling for the second iteration, but in doing so it broadened the car's appeal, improving build quality at the same time and adding even more engine and body-style options, including for the first time a hard-top convertible.
The Mk2 had greater space inside and although didn't have quite as much steering feel as the Mk1, it was still fun to drive, with lots of grip and a responsive chassis. Again, a hot ST version headed the range until the fire-breathing RS arrived; both had a characterful five-cylinder turbo engine sourced from Volvo.
Which is the best version?
Go for the Mazda-sourced 1.8 if you can find one; it has a timing chain, so doesn't need frequent belt changes. But the hidden gem is the 1.6-litre Ti-VCT; pilfered from the smaller Fiesta Zetec-S, it makes the Focus feel far peppier than it has any right to. As for the diesel options, 2.0-litres give a solid blend of power and economy and tend to be reasonably reliable, but avoid the 1.6.
Is the Mk2 reliable?
There's more to go wrong in the Mk2 Focus than in the Mk1; with some approaching 20 years old, it's no wonder they are starting to feel rather creaky. The most reliable engines are the 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrols, or the 2.0-litre diesels. The 2.5-litre turbo engine in the ST is also robust, although avoid examples heavily modified for greater power.
What do I need to look out for?
Leaks around the rear end that allow rain water into the boot and rear footwell areas are not uncommon and can take time to trace. Dashboard displays stay lit for a while after the car is turned off, but beware those that stay on for over an hour. Sills and arches can rust. Ti-VCT engines can throw up problems with the cam timing module. Bonnet latches can break, making the bonnet tricky to open. 1.6-litre diesels are known for premature turbo failure. Folding hard-top roofs on convertibles can go out of alignment, leading to leaks and squeaks; they can also fail completely.
We found
2008 1.6 Zetec, 80,000 miles, full service history, £3,000
Mk3 – the difficult third album
How old is it? This third-generation Focus was sold in the UK from 2011 to 2018
How much does it cost?* Prices start from £1,500
What's good about it? Sophisticated ride-handling balance; smart, modern looks; some generous equipment levels
What's not so good? Bulky, plasticky interior fittings; small boot compared with rivals; cheaper versions very basic; later models had troublesome 1.0-litre engine
What's the Mk3 like?
If the Mk2 felt like an evolution of the Mk1, the Mk3 Focus was more of a radical departure. Gone were the high-level rear lights and squared-off styling, replaced by a more flowing and modern look (although some also saw it as more generic).
The interior felt more fully realised, with chunkier fixtures, although these bigger, bolder fittings exposed the cheaper plastics to greater scrutiny. What was more, rivals offered more space in the back seats and in the boot – the estate was especially disappointing in this regard.
But the Focus still provided the trademark blend of excellent damping and sharp handling. While the Mk3 didn't quite have the pin-sharp involvement of the original, it was still by far and away the driver's choice in its class.
Which is the best version?
Basic Studio (later renamed Style) models feel like an exercise in self-flagellation, so better to upgrade to Zetec or, better still, Titanium versions, which offered a lot more equipment. 1.6-litre petrols are commonplace but can feel a bit asthmatic; 2.0-litre diesels are better, while the 1.6- and later 1.5-litre turbos feel punchy. 1.0-litre petrols are great to drive, too, but suffer from reliability concerns (see below).
Is the Mk3 reliable?
Mid-table rankings in reliability surveys spoke to the Focus's average reliability record among its contemporaries, although these days it's helped by the fact that repairs are cheap and relatively easy. 1.0-litre petrols and 1.6-litre diesels are generally thought to be the least dependable engines; the former especially is difficult to recommend given its timing belt issues.
What do I need to look out for?
1.0-litre Focuses had a timing belt that ran through the oil to keep it lubricated. Unfortunately this degrades with time, leaving rubber particles in the lubricant that then clog the oil pick-up and, if not dealt with, can lead to serious engine damage. The timing belt needs changing at 10 years or 100,000 miles. This can be a big, costly job, which is why this version of the Focus is usually best avoided. Powershift automatic gearboxes also have a habit of being troublesome.
We found
2018 1.5T Titanium X, 50,000 miles, full service history, £9,950
Mk4 – evolution, not revolution
How old is it? This fourth-generation Focus was sold in the UK from 2018 to 2025
How much does it cost?* Prices start from £5,000
What's good about it? Modern technology, more space and that trademark Focus handling
What's not so good? Cheap interior plastics and a firmer ride than before
What's the Mk4 like?
Possibly the least visually compelling Focus, the Mk4 doesn't sit quite as well as previous Focuses, its kicked-up window-line feeling like an attempt to mimic an old BMW 1-Series. But beneath the skin it is really competent, with more space than the Mk3 and an especially practical estate version.
Inside, though, the Mk4 felt a little disappointing; while the cheap, scratchy plastics were no worse than the Mk3's, most rivals had moved upmarket, leaving the Focus behind. And despite the extra room, the Focus still couldn't match the best cars in its class for space.
What was more, the Mk4 lacked the suppleness of previous Focuses, its ride firmer and more overtly sporting – especially in ST-Line form, which can feel rather crashy. The payoff was sharper handling than the Mk3's, with crisper steering and a steadfast refusal to lean over in bends.
Which is the best version?
Even mid-range models can feel stingily equipped; early cars especially lack some of the refinements you'd find in, say, the equivalent Volkswagen Golf. ST-Line models are too firm, meanwhile, making the best of all worlds the relatively plush Titanium version. Again, 1.0-litre models are best avoided as a result of their reliability concerns; the 1.5 turbo is therefore the one to have.
Is the Mk4 reliable?
Generally speaking, yes; in recent reliability surveys, the Focus finished toward the upper end of its class. There is some evidence that diesel-engined cars can be less dependable than petrol ones, however.
What do I need to look out for?
As with the Mk3, the Mk4 Focus range included Ford's 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine, which suffered from timing belt degradation with serious potential consequences. Again, the timing belt needs changing at 10 years or 100,000 miles – a big bill worth keeping in mind. And again, the Powershift automatic gearbox is susceptible to problems. The Mk4 Focus was also on the receiving end of quite a few recalls – so check that all that the remedial work has been carried out.
We found
2019 1.5T Ecoboost Titanium, 21,000 miles, full service history, £14,900