FORD FOCUS (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 82,066 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,505
£125/month
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Diesel
Solid Option
89% pass rate, £1505/year to run. 7 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 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 8 years old, 89% of FORD FOCUSs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 82,066 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 47,654 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
47,654
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 FORD FOCUS has 47,654 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 92% MOT pass rate, while the 1999 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2018 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 2018 FORD FOCUS
The 2018 FORD FOCUS is a small family car with a 1499cc diesel engine. 82,066 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 47,654 miles at 8 years old, FORD FOCUS owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2018 FORD FOCUS Fuel Costs
The 1499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2018 FORD FOCUS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,505 (£125/month), broken down as £905 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 2018 FORD FOCUS
At 8 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 82,066 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 FORD FOCUS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 2018 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(2018) | 89% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1505 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£155 |
| MERCEDES A(2019) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£155 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2017) | 88% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£5 |
| FORD TRANSIT(2017) | 81% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1632+£127 |
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.
Related Ford Models
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
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MERCEDES A
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MERCEDES A-CLASS
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