Mat’s Car of the Day: the Ford Focus may be dead, but it still makes a great used buy
Car changing is a big deal
The Ford Focus is a practical family hatchback which is great to drive, but it was discontinued in 2025. Mat Watson reckons it’s still worth considering as a used car though, and here’s why.
It’s been more than six months since the final Ford Focus rolled off the production line after a 27-year production run. I always really liked the way it drove, and it was a practical family car as well.
You might not be able to buy a new Ford Focus anymore, but it still makes a lot of sense as a used buy. There are some great deals on second-hand examples right now, and I’m going to run through three reasons you should consider buying one as your next car.
Three reasons to buy a used Ford Focus
1. It’s great to drive
The Ford Focus was always renowned for being brilliant to drive, and the final iteration was no exception. It’s comfortable over bumps, while also being really agile on twisty roads. You don’t have to go for the sporty ST version to have fun in a Focus.
2. You get loads of standard equipment
The last examples of the Ford Focus all come with a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, front and rear parking sensors and LED headlights. Top-spec cars also get heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
3. It’s roomy inside
With a 391-litre boot, the Focus has around 10 litres more carrying capacity than a Volkswagen Golf. There’s also plenty of room in the back for adults to get comfortable, and you get plenty of cubbies for your bits and bobs.
Used Ford Focus deals
You can get a used Ford Focus for as little as £7,000 if you go for a pre-facelift example from 2020, but I reckon the best value can be found in a nearly-new model. There are a fair few 2026 examples available through Carwow from the very end of production, and these have some great discounts.
Take this 75-reg top-spec ST-Line X model for example. It’s only got 1,500 miles on the clock, and it’s up for just under £22,000. That’s over £6,500 less than it would’ve cost brand new. It’s a lot of car for the money.
Three things to consider before buying a used Ford Focus
As good as the Ford Focus is, it’s not perfect. Here are three annoying things to think about before you commit your cash.
1. There’s not much engine choice
The last examples of the Ford Focus were only available with one engine: a 1.0-litre petrol with either 125hp or 155hp. You’ll have to go for the pre-facelift car to get a diesel, and there was never a hybrid option at all.
2. Annoying infotainment “upgrade”
When Ford updated the Focus in 2023, it got rid of the physical climate control knobs and moved all those functions to the touchscreen. That’s a step in the wrong direction for me, because it’s way more fiddly to use on the move.
3. Interior quality isn’t the best
While the interior feels solid enough, the Ford Focus doesn’t feel quite as posh inside as a Volkswagen Golf or Peugeot 308. The plastics are a bit scratchy in places, and I think the dashboard design is a bit plain as well.
But if you can look past these small niggles, I think the Ford Focus is a brilliant used family hatchback which is well-worth considering.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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