Used Ford Focus cars for sale

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Used Ford Focus pros and cons

+ Great fun to drive

+ Cheap, economical engine range

+ Good value for money

- Interior feels cheap in places

- Infotainment is poor on older cars

- Boot could be bigger

Is a used Ford Focus a good car?

Once upon a time the Ford Focus was one of the best-selling cars in the UK. As SUVs have become de rigueur, sales have fallen off, but this stylish hatchback retains all of the characteristics that made it such a popular family car to begin with.

While a high-riding SUV might prove more practical, the Focus is likely a better all-rounder, being more fun to drive, costing less to buy and run with enough practicality to keep most families happy – though its middling boot space could put some off.

Inside there are some cheap plastics to be found, and pre-2022 cars have quite a small infotainment system with clunky software. However, the driving position is excellent and helps you enjoy the fantastic driving experience. It’s one of the best-handling family cars you can buy, but it’s still comfortable for long motorway trips.

The engine choices are your usual economical petrols and diesels, but the eco-conscious buyer might be disappointed by the lack of a proper hybrid or fully electric option.

What to look for when buying a second hand Ford Focus

Ford has a pretty average reputation for reliability. Its cars won’t constantly fall apart on you but they’re not bulletproof either. On the plus side, repair costs are typically lower than average.

The latest generation Focus faced some teething issues between 2018 and 2021, but these should have all been addressed by now, so check the numerous recalls have been sorted before buying.

Otherwise there aren’t any major ongoing issues, but it’s worth asking the owner or dealership about warranty on examples under five years old. The Focus comes with three-year/60,000-mile cover as standard when new, with the option to extend to four or five years with extra miles.

Ford Focus FAQs

What are the dimensions of a Ford Focus?

In five-door form, the Focus is 4.4 metres long, 1.8 metres wide (excluding the door mirrors) and 1.5 metres high. Estate models are the same width, but come in at 4.7 metres long and only about 30mm taller.

How much does the Ford Focus weigh?

In hatchback form the Ford Focus’s kerbweight is up to 1,387kg, or 1,529kg as an ST. The estate versions weigh up to 1,451kg, or 1,563kg for the ST.

Is the Ford Focus a reliable car?

Early examples of the fourth-generation Focus have faced quite a few recalls, so be sure to check these have been done. However, aside from this there aren’t any major recurring issues that you should be aware of.

What is the best Ford Focus to buy?

The regular Titanium model is a great all-rounder, while the Active’s raised ride height makes it ideal for those with active lifestyles. The ST-Line looks great and is the most fun to drive, too. Once you’ve picked one that suits your needs, we’d recommend the higher-specification Vignale or X trims where budget allows.

What is the best engine in a Ford Focus?

Lower-powered petrols feel rather gutless, so we’d recommend opting for the higher-powered 125hp unit (or 155hp in post-2022 cars), which should still get decent fuel economy. Diesels are well-suited to those who travel long distances.

Is the Ford Focus front-wheel drive?

Yes, the Ford Focus is only offered with front-wheel drive.

What insurance group is the Ford Focus in?

The majority of engine and trim combinations sit in the 13E group. The cheapest insurance group is 12E for 125hp petrol Trend examples, while the highest non-ST models are Vignale/X with the 155hp petrol. The ST is in 27E.

Insurance groups sit between 1 and 50, with one being the least expensive and 50 being the most.

Where is the Ford Focus made?

Every UK-bound Focus is made at Ford’s factory in Saarlouis, Germany. The firm also builds the fourth-generation model at a facility in Chongqing, China.