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.

4,951 Used Ford Focus cars for sale

Ford Focus2019 (19) - 2.3 EcoBoost ST 5dr

£20,995

Finance available £411 pm

2.3L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

DMC

01412601329 *

0/5 Stars

Ford Focus2020 - 1.5 EcoBlue 120ps ST-Line X Edition 6-spd manual 5-Door

Low Mileage

£14,895

Finance available £310 pm

1.5L
35.7K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Ludham Garage

01692660740 *

Ford Focus2015 (64) - 1.6 TDCi Zetec 5dr Manual Euro 5 s/s

£4,000

1.6L
107.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

The World of Cars Rugby

02475105174 *

Ford Focus2021 (71) - 1.0 EcoBoost 125 ST-Line X 5dr Auto

Low Mileage

£16,695

1L
14.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

V12 Sports and Classics Hinckley

01455244504 *

Ford Focus2016 (16) - 1.5 TDCi 120 Zetec 5dr

£4,499

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
126.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

Best Car 4 You Ltd

01416118629 *

0/5 Stars

Ford Focus2020 - EcoBlue ST-Line X 5-Door

£9,489

1.5L
104.2K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Gold Cars Ltd

01386831300 *

Ford Focus2011 (11) - 1.6 Titanium 5dr

Low Mileage

£3,995

Finance available £67 pm

1.6L
79.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

O C Motors

01702969755 *

Ford Focus2023 - 1.0 mHEV 155 ST-Line 5dr Auto

£18,999

1L
16.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Marshall FordStore Cambridge

01223632572 *

Ford Focus2011 (11) - 1.6 EcoBoost Titanium 5dr

£2,995

1.6L
113.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

AMD AUTOS

01778300647 *

4.7/5 Stars

Ford Focus2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost ST-Line 5dr

£15,038

1L
31.6K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Marshall FordStore Cambridge

01223632572 *

Ford Focus2016 - WG91A 5-Door

Low Mileage

£10,151

1.5L
45.8K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Estate

SANDICLIFFE FORD LOUGHBOROUGH

01509272343 *

Ford Focus2019 (68) - 1.0T EcoBoost ST-Line Hatchback 5dr

Low Mileage

£11,699

1L
37.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Bridgend Motor Group - Ayr Autoplex

01292431154 *

Ford Focus2016 - 2.0 TDCi ST-3 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£11,190

Finance available £228 pm

2L
71.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Hampden Cars SALES LTD

01603397630 *

Ford Focus2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost Hybrid mHEV 125 Zetec Edition 5-Door

Low Mileage

£13,997

Finance available £279 pm

1L
23.3K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Estate

CarSupermarket.com Barnsley

01226448498 *

4.7/5 Stars

Ford Focus2019 (19) - 1.5T EcoBoost ST-Line Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£7,690

Finance available £149 pm

1.5L
114.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

MOTORSTOP WEST MIDLANDS LTD

01384885524 *

4.3/5 Stars

Ford Focus2016 (16) - 1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£5,995

Finance available £112 pm

1L
45.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cars Hub

01753915480 *

Ford Focus2020 (70) - 1.0T EcoBoost Vignale Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (125 ps)

Reduced

£15,499

1L
11.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

HPL Motors Oldham

01612416881 *

Ford Focus2022 - 1.0 EcoBoost Active 5dr

Low Mileage

£16,498

1L
23.8K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Chesterfield Motorstore / Vanstore

01246381032 *

4.7/5 Stars

Ford Focus2022 - 1.5 EcoBlue 120 ST-Line X Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£18,699

Finance available £387 pm

1.5L
12.3K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Motorpoint Coventry

02475187133 *

Ford Focus2019 - 1.5 EcoBoost 150 Titanium X 5dr

£11,895

Finance available £253 pm

1.5L
46.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 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

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.

View guides

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Used Ford Focus snapshot review

Pros