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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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
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?
Mileage Analysis
98,635
Average miles
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
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 outAt 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 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
Medium riskWith 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 riskHigh-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 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 2009 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(2009) | 74% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2197 |
| FORD FOCUS(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£370 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2011) | 75% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£475 |
| FORD FIESTA(2008) | 72% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£475 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2011) | 69% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 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
Explore other Ford cars or similar models in the same category.
FORD FIESTA
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FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
FORD TRANSIT
2017 · 1995cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2011 · 1596cc Petrol
VAUXHALL CORSA
2011 · 1398cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2008 · 1388cc Petrol
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