FORD FOCUS C-MAX (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 4,727 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
65%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1798cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
65% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 17 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1798cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 17 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 22 years old, 65% of FORD FOCUS C-MAXs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 4,727 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 118,062 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
118,062
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 FORD FOCUS C-MAX has 118,062 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-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?
The most reliable year is the 2011 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
FORD FOCUS C-MAX by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2004 FORD FOCUS C-MAX
The 2004 FORD FOCUS C-MAX is a family car with a 1798cc petrol engine. 4,727 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 89% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 118,062 miles at 22 years old, 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (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 £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 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 show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
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
Based on the 2004 FORD FOCUS C-MAX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith 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 riskHigh-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 outWith 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 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 2004 FORD FOCUS C-MAX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD FOCUS C-MAX(2004) | 65% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£530 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2006) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£675 |
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
Explore other Ford cars or similar models in the same category.
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FORD FOCUS
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BMW 3 SERIES
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