Used Ford Focus for sale near South East England

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 3,900
Average Price: Around £9,500

Ford Focus Mk1 (1998-2003) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Fantastic to drive	Toyota Corolla is likely to be more reliable
Modern classic status looming	Noisy diesel engines
Cheap to run	Finding good ones is becoming more difficult

Quick Summary

The Ford Focus Mk1 (1998-2003) was a revelation when launched, replacing the lacklustre Ford Escort with a completely new design. Available as a hatchback, saloon, or estate, its distinctive 'New Edge' styling set it apart from rivals. Beneath the radical exterior lay a roomy and versatile family car with excellent practicality. The hatchback offers a 350-litre boot, whilst the estate provides an impressive 1,580 litres with rear seats folded. Passenger space is generous with plenty of head- and legroom, and the dashboard conceals numerous storage compartments.

What truly distinguishes the Focus is its magnificent driving dynamics. With communicative steering, responsive handling, and a clever multi-link rear suspension, it delivers engaging performance whether driven quickly or slowly. The ride is comfortable, glossing over road imperfections with ease. Running costs are reasonable, with 1.6-litre petrol models achieving around 35mpg and diesel variants reaching 45-50mpg. The timing belt requires changing every 10 years or 100,000 miles, costing approximately £300. As a used car, the Focus represents excellent value and is destined to become a modern classic.

Best for: Drivers seeking an engaging, practical family car with excellent handling, those wanting a future classic at bargain prices, and buyers prioritising driving enjoyment alongside practicality.

Not ideal for: Those requiring maximum reliability (Toyota Corolla may be superior), buyers sensitive to engine noise (diesel variants are noisy), or those seeking pristine examples (good condition cars are becoming scarcer).


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Focus if: You want an engaging, practical family car with excellent handling, seek a future classic at bargain prices, or prioritise driving enjoyment alongside practicality.

Consider alternatives if: You require maximum reliability, are sensitive to engine noise, or seek pristine examples in excellent condition.

Competitive Position: The Ford Focus Mk1 (1998-2003) stands out amongst its rivals for its exceptional driving dynamics and engaging handling. Whilst the Volkswagen Golf offers premium badge appeal and the Vauxhall Astra provides slightly better value deals, the Focus delivers superior driving pleasure. The Honda Civic is equally competent but lacks the Focus's distinctive character. For buyers seeking a practical family car that's genuinely fun to drive and destined to become a modern classic, the Focus is the standout choice. Its combination of affordability, practicality, and engaging performance makes it an exceptional used car bargain.

Read our full Ford Focus Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.