FORD FOCUS (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 22,313 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
68%
Total Tests (2024)
22,313
Avg Mileage
99,363 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2003 FORD FOCUS reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 14 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 21 years old, 68% of FORD FOCUSs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 22,313 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,363 miles.
How does the 2003 FORD FOCUS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 FORD FOCUS has 99,363 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 sits between the two at 68%.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 FORD FOCUS
The 2003 FORD FOCUS is a small family car with a 1596cc petrol engine. 22,313 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 99,363 miles at 21 years old, FORD FOCUS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 FORD FOCUS Fuel Costs
The 1596cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 FORD FOCUS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 68% 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 2003 FORD FOCUS
At 21 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%. With 22,313 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2003 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:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+3%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+5%) from 29,754 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2005) 70% pass rate (+2%) from 28,650 tests