2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · PO52 AWY

The 1.6-litre Zetec petrol engine is a well-understood unit with modest running costs. Real-world fuel economy typically falls in the 32–38 mpg range, and with annual mileage well below average (around 3,500 miles), fuel spend should remain modest at roughly £700–£900 per year assuming current petrol prices. Road tax for a pre-2006 petrol Focus of this displacement is charged at the standard £165 annual rate.

Insurance on a 2002 1.6 Focus is generally reasonable, typically sitting in groups 6–8 depending on trim, so annual premiums in the £350–£500 region are realistic for a typical buyer. Parts are inexpensive and widely available, and routine items (brake pads, filters, plugs) are cheap Ford fitments. However, age-related repairs — particularly corrosion-related welding, exhaust replacement, and suspension bushes — can add up on a car of this vintage.

Overall annual running costs, including fuel, tax, insurance and a sensible maintenance allowance, are likely to fall in the £1,300–£1,700 range, with the higher end reflecting the inevitable age-related repairs a 24-year-old car will require.

Begin with a thorough corrosion survey, focusing on the outer sills, wheel arches, rear suspension mounting areas (flagged in 2023) and the seat belt anchorage points. The 2023 failure specifically noted strength reduction at the outer sill — this needs probing and visual inspection from underneath. Any bubbling paint along the sill tops, rear arches or around the boot lid hinges is a red flag, as Focus models of this generation are notorious for structural rust. Jacking points and the front subframe should also be checked.

The 2023 MOT also flagged a worn nearside front tyre and a deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. On inspection, check for uneven tyre wear (suggesting alignment or suspension issues), play in the front anti-roll bar links, and condition of the track rod ends. The 1.6 Zetec engine should be cold-started from cold — listen for timing belt rattle, cam follower noise, or excessive valve gear chatter, and check for oil leaks around the cam cover and sump gasket.

Finally, inspect the cooling system (this era of Focus is prone to coolant leaks and water pump failure), check the condition of the clutch (a 24-year-old car with 83k miles is likely on its second or third clutch), and verify all electrical items work — central locking, electric windows and the heater blower are common failure points. A test drive should cover both town driving and a stretch of dual carriageway to identify any gearbox synchro issues or suspension knocking.