FORD FOCUS (1999)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,250 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1989cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1989cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 27 years old, 65% of FORD FOCUSs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,250 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 109,114 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
109,114
Average miles
199,800
Expected for age
The average 1999 FORD FOCUS has 109,114 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 1999 FORD FOCUS
The 1999 FORD FOCUS is a family car with a 1989cc petrol engine. 4,250 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 90% of 1999 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 109,114 miles at 27 years old, FORD FOCUS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 FORD FOCUS Fuel Costs
The 1989cc 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 1999 FORD FOCUS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% 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 1999 FORD FOCUS
At 27 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 1999 FORD FOCUS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 27 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 109k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 1999 FORD FOCUS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD FOCUS(1999) | 65% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| MAZDA MX-5(1999) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(1999) | 71% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2017-£380 |
| HONDA CIVIC(2001) | 70% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2001) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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