2001 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · MJ51 AHO

Fuel economy for the 1.6-litre petrol Focus of this era typically sits in the 35-40 mpg range for mixed driving, with urban figures closer to 28-32 mpg. At today's fuel prices, expect to budget around £1,400-£1,800 per year for fuel if covering 6,000-8,000 miles annually.

Road tax for a 1.6-litre petrol of this age falls into the cheap pre-2006 bracket, typically around £170-£200 annually depending on exact CO2 figures. Insurance should be relatively affordable in groups 6-8, perhaps £350-£500 per year for a standard driver. However, the real cost concern is maintenance — at 24 years old, even a well-sorted example will likely need £500-1,000 of work per year covering consumables, ageing rubber parts, and likely exhaust or suspension component renewal.

Estimated annual running cost is in the region of £2,400-£3,200 when combining fuel, tax, insurance, and a realistic maintenance allowance for a car of this age.

Begin with a thorough corrosion inspection — this is the single biggest MOT failure category for the Focus model generally, and an unrecorded 2021 test means you have no recent evidence of structural condition. Check the rear wheel arches, sills, underbody, suspension mounting points, and around the fuel filler very carefully, as these are common rot zones for Mk1 Focuses. Tap with a screwdriver or use a magnet to detect hidden filler work.

Inspect all four tyres for age (look for DOT date codes), tread depth, and even wear patterns. Tyres are the number one MOT failure reason for this model according to the aggregate data, and on a 24-year-old car the wheel bearings, suspension bushes, and shock absorbers will all be due or overdue for replacement. Check for oil leaks from the cam cover, sump, and gearbox, and listen for clonks from the front suspension over speed bumps.

Verify all electrical functions work correctly — headlights, indicators, brake lights, wipers, horn, and instrument cluster. Headlamp failure is the second most common MOT issue for this model, so check for blown bulbs, cracked lenses, and correct beam pattern. Also confirm the timing belt replacement history, as a 1.6 petrol Focus of this age is well past due for at least one belt change and a snapped belt can destroy the engine.