Ford Focus (2012)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 123,008 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1596cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1596cc14 years old123,008 tests97k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1596cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

78% of MOT tests on Ford Focuss from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 123,008 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 97,038 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 models417th of 650(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models825th of 1,136(bottom half)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2012 models average+0%(78% avg)

vs Ford average-7%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

97,038

Average miles

88,800

Expected for age

The average 2012 Ford Focus had 97,038 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2012 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Vauxhall Corsa

2014 · 1398cc Petrol

£2,153/year

76%

-2%

Nissan Qashqai

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-6%

Volkswagen Polo

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,900/year

75%

-3%

Mercedes C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,511/year

79%

+1%

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About the 2012 Ford Focus

The 2012 Ford Focus is a small family car. Our records list a 1596cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 123,008 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model matches that benchmark.

With an average of 97,038 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Focus owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 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 £1,398 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 Ford Focus?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Focus Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Focuss pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2012 Ford Focus

At 14 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 123,008 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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

Medium risk

With an average of 97k 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 risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2012 Ford Focus stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Focus(2012)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Vauxhall Corsa(2014)	76%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£75
Nissan Qashqai(2013)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Volkswagen Polo(2011)	75%	£1,175	£170	Grp 5-15	£1,900-£328
Mercedes C(2012)	79%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,511+£283

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2012 Ford Focus

Is the 2012 Ford Focus reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2012 Ford Focuss ended in a pass, from 123,008 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2012 Ford Focus cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Ford Focus?

78% of 123,008 MOT tests on the 2012 Ford Focus ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 417th of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Focus has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Ford Focus has the highest MOT pass rate at 91% and the 1999 the lowest at 65%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 Ford Focus?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Ford Focus is 97,038 miles, which is in line with the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.