2012 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · FE12 YMJ

The 1.6 TDCi diesel engine typically returns 55 to 65 mpg on a mixed cycle, which keeps fuel costs reasonable for a high-mileage car of this size. Road tax for a 2012 diesel Focus falls in a moderate VED band, though diesel surcharges apply for vehicles registered after March 2006 that do not meet RDE2 standards, so budget roughly one hundred and sixty-five pounds annually if it falls into the higher diesel bracket. Insurance is typically group 15 to 20 for this engine and trim, placing premiums in the four hundred to seven hundred pound range depending on driver history.

Routine maintenance on a diesel Focus of this age and mileage runs higher than a petrol equivalent, with annual service costs typically between two hundred and three hundred and fifty pounds including filters and oil. Budget for brake discs and pads every 20,000 to 30,000 miles given the pattern shown in the MOT history, plus tyre replacement roughly every 25,000 miles. Combined annual running costs are likely to fall in the £900-£1,200 range for this specific vehicle.

Start with a thorough inspection of the rear braking system. The 2022 advisory and 2025 advisory on rear brake pads and discs suggest this is a chronic wear point on this particular car — have the discs measured for thickness and check the calipers for seized slide mechanisms, which are common on Ford Focus rear calipers. Also inspect the offside front inner CV joint boot area for fresh grease splatter or a perished boot, as the 2022 failure listed a split boot that was no longer preventing dirt ingress.

Check the underside carefully for oil leaks. The 2023 test noted an oil leak that was not excessive, which is worth monitoring — diesel Focus engines of this age can suffer from front crankshaft seal and timing cover leaks that worsen over time. Examine the exhaust system from cat-back, paying attention to the heat shield mounting points flagged in 2022, and listen for blowing or ticking on startup. Finally, verify all exterior lighting functions including the offside side repeater that was not working at the 2022 failure, and confirm the rear number plate is clearly legible.