FORD JOURNEY (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 162 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,655
£138/month
MOT Pass Rate
74%
Average
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Diesel
Check Carefully
74% pass rate, £1655/year to run. 8 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 8 years old, 74% of FORD JOURNEYs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 162 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 150,357 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
150,357
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 FORD JOURNEY has 150,357 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
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FORD JOURNEY by Year
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About the 2018 FORD JOURNEY
The 2018 FORD JOURNEY is a small family car with a 1499cc diesel engine. 162 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 99% of 2018 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 150,357 miles at 8 years old, FORD JOURNEY owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2018 FORD JOURNEY Fuel Costs
The 1499cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2018 FORD JOURNEY?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,655 (£138/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 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.
Buying a Used 2018 FORD JOURNEY
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 FORD JOURNEY's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 150k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 2018 FORD JOURNEY stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD JOURNEY(2018) | 74% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1655 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2017) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£305 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£155 |
| MERCEDES A(2019) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£305 |
| MERCEDES A-CLASS(2017) | 88% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500-£155 |
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
2015 · 998cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2013 · 1596cc Petrol
FORD TRANSIT
2017 · 1995cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
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