FORD FOCUS (2017)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 109,241 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1596cc Petrol
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1737/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 9 years old, 89% of FORD FOCUSs from 2017 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 109,241 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 57,591 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
57,591
Average miles
66,600
Expected for age
The average 2017 FORD FOCUS has 57,591 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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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%. The 2017 sits between the two at 89%.
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 2017 FORD FOCUS
The 2017 FORD FOCUS is a small family car with a 1596cc petrol engine. 109,241 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2017, the average MOT pass rate is 87%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 57,591 miles at 9 years old, FORD FOCUS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2017 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 2017 FORD FOCUS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2017 FORD FOCUS
At 9 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 92%. With 109,241 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2017 FORD FOCUS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2017 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(2017) | 89% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1737 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2015) | 78% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2017) | 86% | £955 | £190 | Grp 5-15 | £1550-£187 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2015) | 82% | £955 | £30 | Grp 5-15 | £1390-£347 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£155 |
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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