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.

4,936 Used Ford Focus cars for sale

Ford Focus2015 - 2.0 TDCi ST-1 5-Door

£4,995

Finance available £89 pm

2L
99.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

AMC Glasgow

01414839935 *

Ford Focus2017 (67) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line 5dr

£6,500

Finance available £123 pm

1L
70.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

EAD Motors

01913387328 *

Ford Focus2024 - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 155 ST-Line X 5dr Auto

£21,499

Finance available £444 pm

1L
8.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Estate

cinch

01792001651 *

4.2/5 Stars

Ford Focus2012 - ST-2 TURBO ESTATE 5-Door

Low Mileage

£7,995

2L
81.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

Platinum Car Sales Ltd

01685702348 *

Ford Focus2008 (08) - 1.6 Titanium 5dr

Low Mileage

£1,990

1.6L
80.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AAM OXFORD CARS LTD

01865411694 *

Ford Focus2022 - 5Dr Zetec 1.0 125PS Auto

£13,299

Finance available £275 pm

1L
30.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Gates of Stevenage

01438901844 *

4.3/5 Stars

Ford Focus2011 - 1.6T EcoBoost Titanium X Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£2,850

1.6L
121.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Shire Hampton Motors

01172331399 *

Ford Focus2017 (17) - 1.0 EcoBoost Zetec Edition 5dr

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1L
75.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Craigton Cars

01412601250 *

Ford Focus2017 (67) - 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£5,695

Finance available £105 pm

1L
75.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Harpers of Essex Ltd

01279598863 *

3.6/5 Stars

Ford Focus2012 (61) - 1.6 EDGE HATCHBACK 5dr WITH SERVICE HISTORY

Low Mileage

£3,000

1.6L
102.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Claydon Autos Baylham

01473350918 *

Ford Focus2015 (15) - 1.5 TDCi Titanium Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£7,250

Finance available £140 pm

1.5L
55.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Twin Car Sales Ltd

01255449987 *

Ford Focus2005 (55) - 1.6 LX 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£2,490

1.6L
64.3K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

AUTO ONE XPRESS LTD

02037633726 *

Ford Focus2020 - Active X 5dr 1.0 EcoBoost 125PS Manual

Reduced

£13,892

Finance available £288 pm

1L
19.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Days of Gorseinon

01792739750 *

4.3/5 Stars

Ford Focus2023 (73) - 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

Low Mileage

£17,100

Finance available £352 pm

1L
5.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Big Motoring World West Malling

01732444460 *

Ford Focus2024 - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV Titanium X 5dr

£17,495

Finance available £369 pm

1L
26.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

John Grose Woodbridge

01394331216 *

4.8/5 Stars

Ford Focus2009 - 2.5 SIV ST-3 3-Door

Low Mileage

£7,995

2.5L
112.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Suaa Motors LTD

01616766908 *

Ford Focus2018 (18) - 2.0 TDCi ST-3 Hatchback 5dr Diesel Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (185 ps)

Low Mileage

£13,399

Finance available £260 pm

2L
57.5K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hilton Car Supermarket Milton Keynes

01908049370 *

Ford Focus2021 (71) - 1.5 EcoBlue Active Estate 5-Door

Low Mileage

£15,495

1.5L
27.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Victoria Motors Ltd

01747440831 *

4.8/5 Stars

Ford Focus2011 - 2.0 TDCi Titanium 5dr Powershift

Low Mileage

£4,155

2L
70.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Mantles Used Cars Royston

01763291130 *

Ford Focus2020 - 1.5 EcoBlue 120 Active X 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£18,299

Finance available £386 pm

1.5L
11.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Estate

FOW Winsford

01606535848 *

4.3/5 Stars

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

Author: Jack Evans

View profile

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

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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 Present)

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.

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