2018 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · WU67 VTK

The 1.5 TDCi diesel Focus is reasonably economical, typically returning 55-65 mpg on a mix of driving, though real-world figures depend heavily on whether the vehicle is primarily used for short trips, which can cause DPF problems. Fuel costs for 8,000 annual miles at an average 60 mpg would be roughly £1,400-£1,600 based on current diesel prices. Road tax for a January 2018 diesel Focus registered before the April 2017 changes should fall in the £20-£165 band depending on exact CO2 figure, so check the V5C for confirmation.

Insurance for a 2018 Focus diesel typically sits in groups 12-18, meaning annual premiums of £500-£800 for a standard driver, depending on postcode and history. Service intervals are every 12 months or 12,500 miles, with a major service (oil, filter, air filter, fuel filter) costing £180-£260 at an independent garage, and £300-£400 at a Ford dealer. Timing belt replacement on the 1.5 TDCi, if due, can cost £400-£600 including coolant renewal.

Estimated total annual running cost is £1,800-£2,400, covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing. This does not include potential non-routine repairs such as clutch replacement (£700-£1,200), DPF cleaning or replacement (£300-£1,500), or suspension component renewal, which become increasingly likely once a diesel Focus passes 100,000 miles.

Start by asking the seller directly for the MOT failure notices from November 2024 and November 2025, since the recorded data shows no defect items were entered against either failure. This is unusual and suggests either a refusal-to-test or a category not captured in the standard advisory/defect fields. Without this paperwork, you cannot fully explain the two failures. Inspect the tyres carefully, as tyre condition is the single most common MOT failure reason across the Focus model and was possibly the trigger here. Check all four tyres plus the spare for minimum 1.6mm tread, and look for uneven wear patterns indicating alignment or suspension issues.

On a test drive, pay particular attention to cold-start behaviour, any illuminated DPF or EGR warning lights, and hesitation or smoke from the exhaust under acceleration. The 1.5 TDCi engine is known for injector failures and EGR valve carbon build-up at higher mileages, and these often manifest as rough running or excessive smoke rather than obvious warning lights at MOT time. Listen for clutch slip on hill starts and check for juddering, which would indicate a worn dual-mass flywheel on the verge of replacement. A thorough PPI should include a compression test and live diagnostic read of all ECU fault codes.

Finally, inspect the bodywork for corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, the tailgate lower edge, and suspension mounting points. Corrosion is the third most common MOT failure reason across the Focus model and tends to appear first on cars that have lived in coastal regions or been driven through salted winter roads. Check the underside on a ramp if possible, and confirm the sills and subframe are original and free from rust-through. Any welding repairs should be backed by invoices and an independent inspection.