Ford Focus ST (2020)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,968 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,413
£201/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£200
Standard rate/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 25-38
2261cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £2,413/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Standard rate (from April 2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Ford brand average of 85%.
92% of MOT tests on Ford Focus STs from 2020 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 4 years old. That's based on 2,968 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 27,740 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
27,740
Average miles
29,600
Expected for age
The average 2020 Ford Focus ST had 27,740 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2019 model has the lowest at 90%. The 2020 scores 92%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Ford Focus ST by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2020 Ford Focus ST
The 2020 Ford Focus ST is a large car. Our records list a 2261cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,968 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2020, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 27,740 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Focus ST owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2020 Ford Focus ST Fuel Costs
The 2261cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2020 Ford Focus ST?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,413 (£201/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Ford Focus ST Reliability Trend
The Ford Focus ST has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 3 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2020 Ford Focus ST
At 6 years old, the Ford Focus ST offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%.
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 outAt 6 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.
Oil Consumption
Low riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 2020 Ford Focus ST 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 ST(2020) | 92% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 25-38 | £2,413 |
| Mercedes A(2021) | 94% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£327 |
| Volvo XC40(2020) | 93% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£327 |
| Ford Ranger(2021) | 90% | £1,958 | £200 | Grp 25-38 | £2,413same |
| Jaguar F-Pace(2019) | 91% | £1,631 | £200 | Grp 18-32 | £2,086-£327 |
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 2020 Ford Focus ST
Is the 2020 Ford Focus ST reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 92% of MOT tests on 2020 Ford Focus STs ended in a pass, from 2,968 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2020 Ford Focus ST cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,413 a year (£201 a month): £1,958 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Ford Focus ST?
92% of 2,968 MOT tests on the 2020 Ford Focus ST ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 1233rd of 2,554 models first registered in 2020 (top half).
Which year Ford Focus ST has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Ford Focus ST has the highest MOT pass rate at 93% and the 2019 the lowest at 90%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2020 Ford Focus ST?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2020 Ford Focus ST is 27,740 miles, which is in line with the expected 29,600 miles for a 4-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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