CarCostCheck

Ford Focus (2016)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 109,880 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,078

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

87%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1596cc Petrol

Solid Option

87% pass rate, £2,078/year to run. 5 points above average.

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Petrol1596cc10 years old109,880 tests67k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1596cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398
Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£350
Total per year£2,078
Per month£173/mo
Per week£40/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

87% MOT pass rate(Good)
0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

87% of MOT tests on Ford Focuss from 2016 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 8 years old. That's based on 109,880 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 66,788 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2016 models277th of 539(bottom half)
Rank among Ford models568th of 1,136(top half)
vs average of all models+5%(82% avg)
vs 2016 models average+2%(85% avg)
vs Ford average+2%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

66,788

Average miles

vs

59,200

Expected for age

The average 2016 Ford Focus had 66,788 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-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 2016 scores 87%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Focus by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202292%81023,275 mi
202190%20,44130,768 mi
202091%58,33635,324 mi
201989%93,80341,996 mi
201889%82,06647,654 mi
201789%109,24157,591 mi
201687%109,88066,788 mi
201585%129,33775,436 mi
201480%131,11983,264 mi
201378%132,29290,803 mi
201278%123,00897,038 mi
201175%115,331103,292 mi
201075%101,132104,468 mi
200974%105,193105,899 mi
200873%90,659109,505 mi
200773%77,121108,772 mi
200673%56,257109,516 mi
200571%41,794108,237 mi
200469%29,927105,988 mi
200368%22,31399,363 mi
200269%17,885103,596 mi
200168%10,188105,162 mi
200067%4,627104,538 mi
199965%4,250109,114 mi
199866%308105,722 mi

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About the 2016 Ford Focus

The 2016 Ford Focus is a small family car. Our records list a 1596cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 109,880 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 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 66,788 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Focus owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2016 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 2016 Ford Focus?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,078 (£173/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 87% 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 2016 Ford Focus

At 10 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 109,880 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.

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 2016 Ford Focus stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrEst. Ins. GroupTotal/yr
Ford Focus(2016)87%£1,398£275Grp 12-25£2,078
Vauxhall Corsa(2015)78%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153+£75
Nissan Qashqai(2017)86%£1,175£200Grp 5-15£1,780-£298
Volkswagen Polo(2015)82%£1,175£170Grp 5-15£1,750-£328
Vauxhall Mokka(2015)79%£1,398£200Grp 8-20£2,153+£75

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 2016 Ford Focus

Is the 2016 Ford Focus reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 87% of MOT tests on 2016 Ford Focuss ended in a pass, from 109,880 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2016 Ford Focus cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,078 a year (£173 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Ford Focus?

87% of 109,880 MOT tests on the 2016 Ford Focus ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 277th of 539 models first registered in 2016 (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 2016 Ford Focus?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2016 Ford Focus is 66,788 miles, which is in line with the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Related Guides

In-depth articles relevant to the Ford Focus.

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