CarCostCheck

FORD FOCUS C-MAX (2009)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 439 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1798cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1798cc17 years old439 tests99k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1798cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327
Road Tax

Based on 1798cc

£315
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,197
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

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

74% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 17 years old, 74% of FORD FOCUS C-MAXs from 2009 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 439 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 98,635 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2009 cars355th of 575(top 62%)
Rank among FORD models948th of 1,167(top 81%)
vs national average-8%(82% avg)
vs 2009 cars average-1%(75% avg)
vs FORD average-11%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

98,635

Average miles

vs

125,800

Expected for age

The average 2009 FORD FOCUS C-MAX has 98,635 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 125,800 miles for a 17-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%. The 2009 sits between the two at 74%.

FORD FOCUS C-MAX by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201178%222106,886 mi
201077%19795,914 mi
200974%43998,635 mi
200869%1,164105,495 mi
200770%5,818110,161 mi
200670%8,943108,868 mi
200568%6,500113,329 mi
200465%4,727118,062 mi
200370%297108,187 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

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About the 2009 FORD FOCUS C-MAX

The 2009 FORD FOCUS C-MAX is a family car with a 1798cc petrol engine. 439 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2009, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 98,635 miles at 17 years old, FORD FOCUS C-MAX owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2009 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 2009 FORD FOCUS C-MAX?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

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 2009 FORD FOCUS C-MAX

At 17 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. If you're flexible on year, the 2011 model has the highest pass rate at 78%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2009 FORD FOCUS C-MAX's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 17 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

Medium risk

With an average of 99k 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.

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 2009 FORD FOCUS C-MAX stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
FORD FOCUS C-MAX(2009)74%£1327£315Grp 18-32£2197
FORD FOCUS(2011)75%£1137£135Grp 12-25£1827-£370
VAUXHALL CORSA(2011)75%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1722-£475
FORD FIESTA(2008)72%£1137£30Grp 8-20£1722-£475
NISSAN QASHQAI(2011)69%£1327£135Grp 18-32£2217+£20

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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Related Guides

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