2007 Ford Focus 1.8L Diesel · GN07 AEB

Fuel economy for the 1.8 TDCi diesel is reasonable for its era, typically returning 45-50 mpg on a combined cycle, though real-world figures on a high-mileage example may be lower. Road tax for a vehicle of this age and engine size falls into a low bracket, typically £35-£165 annually depending on exact CO2 emissions, so this is one area where running costs remain manageable. Insurance should be relatively affordable given the Focus's position in lower insurance groups, though premiums vary based on the buyer's profile.

Maintenance costs are where this vehicle will sting the wallet. With 124,489 miles on the clock, expect wear items such as clutches, brakes, tyres, and suspension components to require attention sooner rather than later. Parts for the Ford Focus are generally inexpensive due to the model's ubiquity, but diesel-specific components like the dual-mass flywheel and injectors can be costly if they fail.

We estimate total annual running costs of £1,200-£1,800 for this vehicle, factoring in fuel, tax, insurance, and a sensible maintenance budget. The higher end of this range assumes you encounter one or more significant repair bills during the year — not unlikely given the mileage and age.

Start with a cold-start inspection: the 1.8 TDCi should fire up cleanly without excessive smoke from the exhaust. Blue or excessive black smoke on startup suggests turbo or injector problems, both expensive fixes. Listen for knocking from the dual-mass flywheel when releasing the clutch in first and reverse gears — a rattling or chattering noise indicates the flywheel needs replacement, typically £600-£900 including labour.

Inspect the underside of the vehicle for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle, subframes, and suspension mounting points. Given the model's aggregate data highlights corrosion as a top-three MOT failure reason, this is a critical area. Check the sills, wheel arches, and underbody seams for bubbling paint or visible rust penetration. The brake discs and pads should be examined for wear, and the handbrake tested for adequate holding on an incline.

Verify all electrical systems function correctly, including the instrument cluster, central locking, electric windows, and air conditioning. The 2007 Focus is approaching two decades old, so perished rubber seals, ageing wiring looms, and failing switchgear are common. Finally, take an extended test drive of at least 20 minutes to allow the engine to reach operating temperature, paying attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or gearbox behaviour.