Ford Focus C-Max (2004)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 4,727 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,711

£226/month

MOT Pass Rate

65%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1798cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

65% pass rate, £2,711/year to run. 17 points below average.

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Petrol1798cc22 years old4,727 tests118k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1798cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Per week£52/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

65% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

65% of MOT tests on Ford Focus C-Maxs from 2004 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 20 years old. That's based on 4,727 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 118,062 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 models417th of 470(bottom 12%)

Rank among Ford models1098th of 1,136(bottom 4%)

vs average of all models-17%(82% avg)

vs 2004 models average-7%(72% avg)

vs Ford average-20%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

118,062

Average miles

148,000

Expected for age

The average 2004 Ford Focus C-Max had 118,062 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Focus C-Max by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2011	78%	222	106,886 mi
2010	77%	197	95,914 mi
2009	74%	439	98,635 mi
2008	69%	1,164	105,495 mi
2007	70%	5,818	110,161 mi
2006	70%	8,943	108,868 mi
2005	68%	6,500	113,329 mi
2004	65%	4,727	118,062 mi
2003	70%	297	108,187 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Focus

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

+8%

MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

71%

+6%

BMW 3 Series

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+15%

Honda Jazz

2006 · 1339cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

+6%

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About the 2004 Ford Focus C-Max

The 2004 Ford Focus C-Max is a family car. Our records list a 1798cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 4,727 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 12% of 2004 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 118,062 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Focus C-Max owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2004 Ford Focus C-Max Fuel Costs

The 1798cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 2004 Ford Focus C-Max?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,711 (£226/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 65% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Ford Focus C-Max Reliability Trend

Newer Ford Focus C-Maxs pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 5 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2004 Ford Focus C-Max

At 22 years old, the Ford Focus C-Max 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.

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.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

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

Watch out

With an average of 118k 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.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 65% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

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 2004 Ford Focus C-Max 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 C-Max(2004)	65%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711
Ford Focus(2006)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
MINI(2005)	71%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£483
BMW 3 Series(2006)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361-£350
Honda Jazz(2006)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£558

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 2004 Ford Focus C-Max

Is the 2004 Ford Focus C-Max reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 65% of MOT tests on 2004 Ford Focus C-Maxs ended in a pass, from 4,727 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 17 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2004 Ford Focus C-Max cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,711 a year (£226 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Ford Focus C-Max?

65% of 4,727 MOT tests on the 2004 Ford Focus C-Max ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 417th of 470 models first registered in 2004 (bottom 12%).

Which year Ford Focus C-Max has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2011 Ford Focus C-Max has the highest MOT pass rate at 78% and the 2004 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 2004 Ford Focus C-Max?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2004 Ford Focus C-Max is 118,062 miles, 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.