FORD FOCUS (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 29,927 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
29,927
Avg Mileage
105,988 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2004 FORD FOCUS reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 20 years old, 69% of FORD FOCUSs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 29,927 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 105,988 miles.
How does the 2004 FORD FOCUS compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 FORD FOCUS has 105,988 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2004 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 2004 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 2004 FORD FOCUS
The 2004 FORD FOCUS is a small family car with a 1596cc petrol engine. 29,927 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 105,988 miles at 20 years old, FORD FOCUS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 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 2004 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 69% 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 2004 FORD FOCUS
At 20 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 29,927 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2004 FORD FOCUS
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+11%) from 40,353 tests
- HONDA JAZZ (2006) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 35,054 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2006) 68% pass rate (-1%) from 34,523 tests