2014 Ford Focus 2.0L Petrol · 188 CEL

The 2.0-litre petrol Ford Focus typically returns around 35-40 mpg in real-world driving, though high-mileage examples like this one may see reduced economy as the engine ages. Road tax for a 2014 petrol Focus of this engine size falls in the £240-£305 annual band depending on exact CO2 figures, so budget accordingly. Insurance for a 2014 Focus 2.0 petrol typically sits in groups 18-22, meaning mid-range premiums of approximately £600-£900 per year for a standard driver. Routine maintenance such as oil changes, filters, and plugs should cost around £150-£250 per service at an independent garage, with major items like timing chain replacement potentially costing £500-£800 if required.

Considering the mileage and flagged advisories, this vehicle is likely to incur higher-than-average maintenance costs in the near term, with budget items including suspension bushes (£200-£400), brake pipe corrosion repair (£100-£200), and potentially clutch work (£500-£700) if not already replaced. Annual running costs including fuel, tax, insurance, and maintenance for a high-mileage Focus of this specification typically total around £1,400-£1,800 per year, which is on the higher end for this model. Buyers should also factor in the cost of any immediate repairs to address the 2026 MOT advisories if the seller has not already completed them. At this mileage, a thorough service including all fluids and filters is advisable upon purchase to establish a maintenance baseline.

Start the inspection with a close look at all four suspension corners, as the MOT history shows repeated advisories for wishbone rear bushes, trailing arm bushes, and a fractured offside front coil spring. Jack the vehicle and check for play in all bushings, pay particular attention to the offside rear trailing arm which has been flagged twice. Inspect the front coil springs for any signs of corrosion, cracking, or sagging — if the fractured spring has been replaced, verify the nearside has not also been compromised. The 2026 test noted a corroding rear brake pipe covered in grease; examine all brake pipes and flexi hoses for similar corrosion, as this is a common issue on older vehicles and can lead to MOT failure if left unaddressed.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine should be inspected for timing chain stretch — listen for a rattle on cold start that disappears once warm, and check for any timing chain-related fault codes. Look for oil leaks from the cam cover, sump, and filter housing, which are common on high-mileage Ford petrol units. Inspect the exhaust system including the heatshield fixings flagged as worn in 2026, and check for any blowing joints or damaged catalytic converter mounting points. Examine the underside of the vehicle for corrosion, particularly around the rear brake pipe area, fuel tank heat shield mounting points, and any structural components. Finally, verify the operation of all electrical systems including the headlight adjusters that were altered during the 2026 test, and ensure the number plate light is functioning correctly at full output.