Used Ford Focus Estate 2004 - 2011 review

What's the used Ford Focus like?

A cracking load-carrier at prices you'll like, the Focus hatch may be the best of the range to drive, but the estate versions are not far behind.

Drivers will love the way it responds to the controls, particularly the steering, which lets you thread through bends and place the car just where you want it to be.

Overview

A great estate at a great price

Pros

• It's practical, roomy
• and cheap to run

Cons

• The ride is stiff at low speeds

Used cars available now

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Ford Focus

1.8 TDCi Ghia 5dr

£795

Ford Focus

1.6 TDCi DPF Zetec 5dr

£850

Ford Focus

1.6 TDCi ECOnetic Zetec Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£990

Ford Focus

1.6 Titanium Euro 5 5dr

£995

Ford Focus

1.6 TDCi Style 5dr

£995

Ford Focus

1.6 TDCi Zetec Climate 5dr

£995

Ford Focus

1.0T EcoBoost Zetec Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£1,250

Ford Focus

1.8 TDCi LX 5dr

£1,495

Ford Focus

1.8 TDCi LX 5dr

£1,495

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LX and Ghia models give a more comfortable ride than the sportier Zetec, Sport or Titanium, but they all jolt over the bumps in town. The engines are quiet, but too much road noise enters the cabin.

It's exceptionally comfortable for driver and passengers, too, and room in the back is generous, though not class-leading.

If you're watching the pennies, the Focus's reliability and cheap servicing will make you smile. But, think carefully about how old a car you buy. Most models have lost almost two-thirds of their value by their third birthday, so a nearly new car may not be such a bargain. But, if you look at it another way, a three-year-old Focus is great value.

Our recommendations

Which used Ford Focus should I buy?

The big range spans seven engines and six trim levels. The 1.6 diesel and petrols power most of the cars cars in the used market and, as you'd expect, they make the most sensible buys. However, the 108bhp version of the diesel is better in every way than the 89bhp engine.

The 1.8 and 2.0 diesel and 2.0 petrols that complete the line-up are all sound, but not really worth the extra you'll pay for them.

Every Focus is well equipped, but you should avoid the entry-level Studio model because it lacks the air-con, CD player and curtain airbags you'll find in other models.

Move up one step to the LX and Zetec and you'll find excellent specification at keen prices - the LX has more comfort comforts, while the Zetec has a few sporty add-ons.

Overall, we'd pick a 1.6 petrol in LX trim - which also happens to be the most widely available model.