2015 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · LC65 AEL

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is reasonably frugal, typically returning around 45-55 mpg on combined driving, though real-world figures from owners of high-mileage examples tend toward the lower end. Fuel costs for an annual mileage of around 13,800 miles (in line with this car's history) would be approximately £1,400-£1,700 at current UK petrol prices, depending on driving style.

Road tax for a 2015 1.0-litre petrol Focus typically falls in the £20-£165 band depending on the exact CO2 rating, but most 999cc variants post-2015 sit in the lower bands. Insurance for this model is usually group 10-15, making it relatively affordable to insure. Typical annual maintenance including an interim service, MOT, and tyres averages around £300-£500, though a cambelt replacement on a high-mileage EcoBoost could add £400-£600. Total estimated annual running costs are therefore in the region of £1,800-£2,400 for a car being used at this kind of mileage.

Focus your physical inspection on the items flagged in the MOT record. First, examine the offside front tyre and check the inner edge for excessive wear, as this was flagged in 2025 and the same test initially failed before passing the same day. Uneven inner-edge wear on a Focus often points to worn suspension bushes, droplinks, or tracking issues that may need addressing. Inspect the nearside front headlamp mounting and the position lamp wiring to ensure the 2025 failure items have been properly resolved rather than temporarily patched.

For the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine specifically, check the coolant level and condition carefully — look for any signs of milky residue on the oil cap or mayonnaise-like substance, which could indicate head gasket concerns. Listen for a cold-start rattle from the timing chain area, which is a known issue on early EcoBoost units. Verify the service history shows regular oil changes at appropriate intervals, as this engine is sensitive to oil quality and change frequency.

General inspection points for a high-mileage Focus include checking the clutch bite point (a failing clutch is common around 80,000-100,000 miles), inspecting the rear suspension beam for cracking or corrosion (a known Focus weakness), and testing all electrical functions including windows, mirrors, and the infotainment system. The model aggregate data lists corrosion as a top-three MOT failure reason for the Focus, so examine the wheel arches, sills, and underbody carefully for rust, particularly around the rear axle area.