Is a Ford Focus a Good Used Car?

Choosing a make and model when buying a car is a tough decision, for sure. If you plan on buying a used car, this can be especially difficult. One of the commonly bought used cars is the Ford Focus. But is a Ford Focus a good used car, or can you find something better out there? Let’s take a look at all the info on this popular Ford model, so you can decide if it’s worth your hard-earned money.

Ford Focus is a very good used car. It’s one of the most popular cars for families and first-time owners out there. This Ford model has been one of the top used cars people buy in the US for many years now. Still, when buying a Ford Focus, it’s crucial to pay attention to the year the vehicle was made because there are a few unreliable series.

Blue Ford Focus on the road

Buying a used car can be a bit complicated if you don’t do your homework well. Detailed research on the model you’re considering is necessary before you even see the car in person. So, what can you expect from Ford Focus? It’s known for its good reputation, but will that be enough for you to buy it?

Ford Focus Is a Good Used Car for Anyone Who Considers Getting a Second-Hand Vehicle

Yes, Ford Focus is one of the better options for a used car you can find out there. It’s an extremely popular second-hand vehicle model, primarily thanks to its reliability. This car is a common choice for a family car or for first-time car owners. It’s a comfortable hatchback, easy to drive and take care of.

Naturally, it has some downsides, like every car out there – nothing’s perfect. Essentially, there are some issues in certain Focus series, depending on the year the car was produced, but more on that later. Now, let me tell you a bit about why I think this vehicle is a good choice out of the countless options of used cars available.

Ford Focus Has Been One of the Most Popular Models for Many Years

The original Ford Focus was launched in 1999, and it didn’t take long for it to become one of America’s most favorite car models. It’s well-designed, practical, equipped with everything you need – especially the later editions. As the years went by, Ford came up with many improvements for the model and made a few mistakes along the way. Still, this slightly sporty model with a tiny dash of elegance has maintained its popularity despite the many competitors who brought new models to the market.

A Short Review of Ford Focus – What Is This Car Like?

What can you expect once you get into the vehicle? First, the driving position is excellently placed – you won’t get uncomfortable even after a long time on the road. The steering wheel has a great grip – the design is excellent. Still, I must mention that thick pillars can cause a bit of a visibility issue.

Front seats feel spacious, but rear ones not so much. Even so, they are pleasant to sit in for hours – not too soft, but not too hard as well. The central tunnel is larger than you would expect – I don’t find that troubling, but it may annoy some people. All in all, it’s safe to say that what you get is quite fair compared to its price. It’s a decent everyday car – nothing more, nothing less.

Now, when it comes to the engine, you have a wide variety of options to choose from. Almost all are good ones – I would only advise you to skip the 1.6-liter petrol with its mere 83 bhp. Except for that one, there’s hardly a wrong choice. Here’s what I would add to my shortlist:

  • 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbo petrol with 123 bhp,
  • 1.5-liter EcoBoost with 179 bhp,
  • 1.5-liter TDCi diesel with 118 bhp,
  • 2.0-liter TDCi diesel with  148 bhp.

Best and Worst Ford Focus Years

I’ve mentioned before that Ford has come up with some not-so-great series of Focus. If you need to know anything about this hatchback, it’s which years’ models to avoid. To help you sort out desirable years and those to avoid at all costs, here’s a table with five best and worst years for Ford Focus:

The best years for Ford FocusThe worst years for Ford Focus
20092007
20102008
20112012
20142013
20162015

Things to Pay Attention to When Purchasing a Used Car

So, there’s no dilemma when it comes to the model you will choose – you just have to work out the details and decide which engine works best for you and which year’s model you’ll be looking for. An essential thing to keep in mind – and that’s a universally accepted suggestion when looking for used cars – is that you should start your search online. Don’t bother scouting car dealerships if you have no idea what car you’re after. Only once you find a potential candidate should you go and check it out in person.

When you find yourself in front of the car, your impression of the state it’s in won’t be enough for making the decision whether to buy it or not. You have to look for additional information – ask for a vehicle identification number (VIN), so you can check the vehicle history report. Talking to the seller can sometimes get you some useful info as well. To be sure the car is in good condition, you can have a mechanic check it out. Lastly, you will need to take the car for a test drive – but I’m sure you won’t forget this step.

Blue Ford Focus parked on the street

You Can’t Go Wrong With a Classic – Ford Focus Is a Great Choice for Those Who Want to Buy a Used Car

Hopefully, the information I’ve provided will help you make a decision on whether or not to buy Ford Focus. As I’ve said, I believe that this is an excellent choice – it won’t be too hard on your budget but will be quite a satisfactory vehicle. It’s a high-quality car, and you definitely won’t regret purchasing it.