FORD FOCUS (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 308 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
308
Avg Mileage
105,722 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 1998 FORD FOCUS reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 26 years old, 66% of FORD FOCUSs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 308 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,722 miles.
How does the 1998 FORD FOCUS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 FORD FOCUS has 105,722 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a FORD FOCUS?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 1998 sits between the two at 66%.
How much does a 1998 FORD FOCUS cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD FOCUS by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 92% | 810 | 23,275 mi |
| 2021 | 90% | 20,441 | 30,768 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 58,336 | 35,324 mi |
| 2019 | 89% | 93,803 | 41,996 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 82,066 | 47,654 mi |
| 2017 | 89% | 109,241 | 57,591 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 109,880 | 66,788 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 129,337 | 75,436 mi |
| 2014 | 80% | 131,119 | 83,264 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 132,292 | 90,803 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 123,008 | 97,038 mi |
| 2011 | 75% | 115,331 | 103,292 mi |
| 2010 | 75% | 101,132 | 104,468 mi |
| 2009 | 74% | 105,193 | 105,899 mi |
| 2008 | 73% | 90,659 | 109,505 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 77,121 | 108,772 mi |
| 2006 | 73% | 56,257 | 109,516 mi |
| 2005 | 71% | 41,794 | 108,237 mi |
| 2004 | 69% | 29,927 | 105,988 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 22,313 | 99,363 mi |
| 2002 | 69% | 17,885 | 103,596 mi |
| 2001 | 68% | 10,188 | 105,162 mi |
| 2000 | 67% | 4,627 | 104,538 mi |
| 1999 | 65% | 4,250 | 109,114 mi |
| 1998 | 66% | 308 | 105,722 mi |
Checking a specific FORD FOCUS?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1998 FORD FOCUS
The 1998 FORD FOCUS is a family car with a 1796cc petrol engine. 308 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 89% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 105,722 miles at 26 years old, FORD FOCUS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1998 FORD FOCUS Fuel Costs
The 1796cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1998 FORD FOCUS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD FOCUS Reliability Trend
Newer FORD FOCUSs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 15 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1998 FORD FOCUS
At 26 years old, the FORD FOCUS is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
Alternatives to the 1998 FORD FOCUS
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+7%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 8,442 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+4%) from 6,792 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2000) 70% pass rate (+4%) from 6,496 tests