Is the Ford Focus a good car to buy?

As one of the most popular car models, the Ford Focus is a solid option when looking for a used car. Spanning four generations and offering multiple engine configurations, there are plenty of choices available for both the budget-friendly and performance-focused drivers.

Why is the Ford Focus discontinued?

Ford announced in 2022 that it would be discontinuing the Focus by 2025. This move allows the manufacturer to focus more heavily on electric vehicles and crossovers, which are gaining more popularity.

What will replace the Ford Focus?

When Ford discontinues the Focus in 2025, it will be replaced with a similar model that runs on electric. An EV Focus aims to provide the same style and practicality as the current versions, but with zero tailpipe emissions and heightened technology.

How much is the Ford Focus in 2024?

Newer models start at around £28,000, which is a more expensive cost than what most Focus buyers expect to pay. Previous models sold for less when new and can be purchased on the used market for a reasonable price.

Which Ford Focus model is best?

Ford has produced a variety of trim levels, from entry-level to high-performance sports variants. If you desire high-end technology and superior comfort, then the ST-Line X provides the best overall package.

Is it worth buying a Focus ST?

The ST provides the best performance of the most recent bunch, but also has the highest starting price. It's worth the cost if you want a higher-powered engine and sleek style. Even the interior has fun upgrades, such as a premium B&O sound system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

4,923 Used Ford Focus cars for sale

Ford Focus2021 (21) - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 155 Titanium X Ed 5dr

£13,201

Finance available £273 pm

1L
57.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Allen Ford Kettering

01536219107 *

Ford Focus2018 (67) - 1.5 TDCi Titanium X Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£6,295

Finance available £118 pm

1.5L
103.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Drivers Choice Limited

01217288652 *

Ford Focus2014 (64) - 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,500

1L
104.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AT Motors Essex

01206581651 *

4.7/5 Stars

Ford Focus2014 (63) - 1.6 125 Titanium Navigator 5dr Powershift

Low Mileage

£7,499

1.6L
34.3K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

Stringer Noyce

01527368657 *

0/5 Stars

Ford Focus2021 (21) - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 125 Active Edition 5dr Petrol Hatchback

£12,659

1L
34.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Redditch

01527388617 *

4.7/5 Stars

Ford Focus2023 - 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line X 5dr

Low Mileage

£19,995

Finance available £390 pm

1L
16.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Dalkeith Ford Centre

01312874171 *

4.5/5 Stars

Ford Focus2015 (15) - 1.5 TDCi 120 Titanium 5dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.5L
131.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Noahs Automotive LTD

02476936621 *

Ford Focus2020 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line X 5dr Sync 3 - B&O Sound System Manual

Low Mileage

£13,690

1L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

TrustFord Birmingham

01217525225 *

4.7/5 Stars

Ford Focus2011 (61) - 1.6 Zetec 5 door Petrol

Reduced

£2,995

1.6L
108.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

CSB Autoseekers

01621733525 *

4.7/5 Stars

Ford Focus2009 (09) - 2.0 TDCi Titanium 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,295

2L
113.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

SK CAR COMPANY LTD

01384885534 *

Ford Focus2013 (63) - 2.0 TDCi Zetec Powershift Euro 5 5dr

Low Mileage

£4,990

Finance available £89 pm

2L
64.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

M&C Specialist Motors

01182274321 *

Ford Focus2019 - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 Zetec 5dr

Low Mileage

£9,998

1L
47.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Motorstore/Hyundai (Inverness)

01463217984 *

4.7/5 Stars

Ford Focus2011 (11) - 1.6 TDCi Zetec S 5dr [110] [DPF]

Low Mileage

£3,795

Finance available £62 pm

1.6L
65.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

West Wirral Car Sales

01515417878 *

0/5 Stars

Ford Focus2018 (68) - 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line X Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

£10,000

Finance available £205 pm

1L
68.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World Cannock

01543221765 *

Ford Focus2015 (65) - 2.0 ST-2 TDCI 5d 183 BHP 5-Door

£10,990

2L
112.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Formula 1 Car Supermarket

01324464853 *

3.9/5 Stars

Ford Focus2023 (73) - 1.0T EcoBoost MHEV Active X DCT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Reduced

£21,990

Finance available £431 pm

1L
4.5K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Estate

Ws Kilbourn & Son

01508501101 *

0/5 Stars

Ford Focus2013 (13) - 1.0 125 EcoBoost Zetec 5dr

£1,995

1L
111.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Pittville Motors Ltd

01242501516 *

Ford Focus2019 - 1.0T EcoBoost Active Estate 5dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,199

Finance available £278 pm

1L
27.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

Thurlow Nunn Great Yarmouth

01493809193 *

0/5 Stars

Ford Focus2019 (69) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line 5dr Petrol Hatchback

Low Mileage

£12,290

1L
31.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Vertu Ford Birmingham

01217288833 *

4.6/5 Stars

Ford Focus2022 - 1.5 EcoBlue [120] Zetec Euro 6 5-Door

Reduced

£9,995

1.5L
75.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Jack Ford Motors Ltd

01918237731 *

Why buy a used Ford Focus?

If you're in the market for a family car that's comfortable, offers the latest innovations and can be found at a reasonable price, then a used Ford Focus is a great choice.

With more than 25 years of production, the Focus continues to be one of the most popular models on the road. Its sporty design combined with a comfortable cabin ensures that a long road trip is just as enjoyable as a daily drive to work.

Used Ford Focus snapshot review

Pros

One of the most reliable Ford models
Excellent value for money
Huge array of trim and engine choices

Cons

Some rivals are more spacious
Lower spec models have fewer features
Steep price depreciation if buying new

Read our Ford Focus review

Ford Focus video review

lite-youtube[videoid='BJ7pamVfMMQ']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/BJ7pamVfMMQ/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='BJ7pamVfMMQ']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

Used Ford Focus buying guide

Engines and transmissions

Over the years, Ford has offered a variety of engines with the Focus, allowing drivers to choose between petrol and diesel motors. While some are designed for efficiency, others provide heightened performance for sport-focused drivers. 4th generation Focuses have an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual gearbox, with recent variants, such as the 2.3-litre ST or mild-hybrid, using seven-speed automatic transmission.

Petrol

Popular 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder engine has up to 123bhp, depending on the variant.
For more excitement, a 1.5-litre engine is available, pushing out 147 or 179bhp, providing a 0-60 mph time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph.
Fuel efficiency ratings sit between 47.9 and 54.3 mpg, ensuring that less is spent at the pump.

Diesel

1.5-litre EcoBlue engine outputs 120bhp, creating an efficient ride.
Even more performance is offered by the 148bhp 2.0-litre engine.
Fuel consumption ratings between 35.3 and 52.3 mpg provide cost-effective operation.

Practicality

Even though the Focus isn't the largest option in the class, it offers plenty of space and is a great family hatchback.

Interior space

Controls conveniently placed within driver's reach.
Fairly large rear space, providing ample room for most people.
Front-centre armrest lifts up to provide a deep storage area.

Boot space

Hatchback provides 390 litres of boot space, making it comparable to the Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf.
Estate offers 608 litres of boot space for even more cargo.
Convenient shape of boot opening provides minimal obstruction for loading or unloading.

Bodystyles

Hatchback features a sporty, fun design.
Estate models are larger, allowing for more interior space.

Safety

Euro NCAP rating is a perfect five stars, ensuring that the model is safe for all occupants.
Impressive 87% child occupant protection rating.
Standard safety kit comes with traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.

Technology

Large 13.2-inch infotainment display on newer models is user-friendly.
X models earn a fully digital instrument display.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhance connectivity.

Different generations of used Ford Focus

When the Ford Focus launched in 1998, no one knew that it would grow to be one of the UK's most popular C-segment vehicles. From day one, the Focus has been known for stylish appeal, features superior handling, and remains updated with the latest equipment.

Now in its 4th generation, the Focus is considered one of the most practical and affordable models. Earlier generations, even though they don't have as much standard equipment, are still considered dependable and can fit a tight budget better than the newer models.

Fourth Generation (2018 to 2018)

The 4th generation Focus models have been available as either an estate or, more commonly, a five-door hatchback. An Active model was added to the lineup, allowing for a raised ride height to fit in better with the crossovers and SUVs. The Mk4s offer increased technology features and a more spacious cabin than the previous generation.

With the ability to shut down cylinders as they aren't being used, and by incorporating an 7-speed automatic transmission, fuel efficiency is one of the improvements found on the newest Focus models. The larger touchscreen, more sophisticated interior materials and recent facelift all add to the slightly higher price of these cars.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2.3
MPG:: 34 - 80
Acceleration:: 5.7 - 13.9 seconds
Boot space:: 273 - 728 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.0 EcoBoost 125 Zetec 5dr
Cheapest
1.0 EcoBoost 85 Style 5dr
Fastest
2.3 EcoBoost ST 5dr

Third Generation (2011 to 2018)

Available as estate and five-door hatchback versions, these Focus models have a radically redesigned interior. A 2014 facelift improved the overall ergonomics, and replaced the touchscreen infotainment system with an updated variant.

Diesel models were the most popular during this time because of the lower overall running costs, yet the 1.0-litre EcoBoost three-cylinder engine offered a smaller capacity with turbocharged power. The ST trim delivers a sporty version, and it can be equipped with either a petrol or diesel engine, while a Focus RS (starting in 2016) is available with a 350bhp 2.3-litre turbo engine and four-wheel drive for more capability.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Full Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2.3
MPG:: 36 - 83
Acceleration:: 4.7 - 14.9 seconds
Boot space:: 237 - 476 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
107kW Electric 33kWh 5dr Auto
Cheapest
1.6 85 Studio 5dr
Fastest
2.3 EcoBoost 5dr

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Ford Focus snapshot review

Pros