Find the depreciation rate of your Ford Focus in the graph below.
Whenever you purchase a vehicle, it starts to depreciate, or drop in value, as soon as you leave the seller’s lot. The same is true for the Ford Focus, as the steepest depreciation rate occurs during the first year of its ownership. After you own the car for about a year, depreciation will slowly decrease until you reach around nine years of ownership. Then, depreciation will drop even more, and the car will continue to lose value at a much slower rate throughout its life.
Keep in mind that just because the vehicle costs the least to own in the sweet spot we have outlined here, you still may not want to own the vehicle during these depreciation sweet spot years. Although vehicles depreciate less as they get older, they have more repairs. Duh right? However, keep in mind that repairs don’t just cost you money, they cost you time. Reliability is the difference between being able to make it to your destination on time or missing an opportunity because the car broke down.
Check out our article on the best and worst years of the Ford Focus to see our reliability ratings for all years of the Focus between 2001-2022. We also cover MPG, safety ratings, and a number of other factors. We pulled data from Focuses registered in our app and surveyed owners to get you data-backed answers on just how good or bad each year of the Focus is.
If you want to know the depreciation and maintenance costs for your particular vehicle, use our free “Total Cost of Ownership” tool available in the FIXD App – Android or IOS.
If you like our online tools and articles consider purchasing our FIXD sensor for $19.99 (this is 67% OFF). It’s our flagship product. With it, you scan your car for common engine problems.
If our sensor detects any problems with the engine, our app will clearly explain:
- What could have caused it and
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If you’d like, we’ll even show you trusted repair shops in your area where you can get your ride fixed through RepairPal. The total cost of ownership feature within the app totals your maintenance costs, repairs, and depreciation (Sensor + App). This is free on the app.
Ford Focus Depreciation
| Model Years | Estimated Mileage | (2023 $) Accumulated Depreciation | Residual Value % Adjusted For Inflation | 2023 Value (2023 $) |
| 2001 | 264,000 | $ 15,208.15 | 2.0% | $312 |
| 2002 | 252,000 | $ 16,054.00 | 1.7% | $285 |
| 2003 | 240,000 | $ 16,485.15 | 1.8% | $296 |
| 2004 | 228,000 | $ 16,746.45 | 2.2% | $385 |
| 2005 | 216,000 | $ 17,174.21 | 2.2% | $394 |
| 2006 | 204,000 | $ 17,789.05 | 2.4% | $429 |
| 2007 | 192,000 | $ 18,640.65 | 2.5% | $487 |
| 2008 | 180,000 | $ 18,128.35 | 5.0% | $948 |
| 2009 | 168,000 | $ 18,337.34 | 6.9% | $1,352 |
| 2010 | 156,000 | $ 19,456.55 | 7.4% | $1,564 |
| 2011 | 144,000 | $ 18,924.32 | 9.4% | $1,961 |
| 2012 | 132,000 | $ 17,963.39 | 10.6% | $2,125 |
| 2013 | 120,000 | $ 17,289.12 | 12.6% | $2,500 |
| 2014 | 108,000 | $ 17,195.55 | 13.4% | $2,661 |
| 2015 | 96,000 | $ 17,068.35 | 17.9% | $3,713 |
| 2016 | 84,000 | $ 16,600.44 | 20.3% | $4,216 |
| 2017 | 72,000 | $ 14,410.99 | 29.1% | $5,912 |
| 2018 | 60,000 | $ 14,363.83 | 33.9% | $7,378 |
The chart above conveys the approximate depreciation for a Ford Focus. Using Kelley Blue Book data since 2001 as a basis, it assumes a vehicle in standard trim, a generic color like black or white, and a mileage of 12,000 per year.
Keep in mind that the auto market was heavily affected in 2020 and beyond. Automakers selling new cars during the COVID pandemic raised prices which caused a spike in demand in the used car market as people tried to save money. Many automakers, however, did not drop prices after the pandemic, they kept them so they could make a larger profit.
This is why the most recent years of many vehicles have seemingly experienced less depreciation. Some may have even appreciated due to the heightened levels of inflation created.
Factors That Impact the Ford Focus Depreciation Rate
With a worldwide reputation for producing resilient vehicles that hold their value well, Ford models often have good depreciation rates that result in high resale values. The Ford Focus is no different, as Focuses typically maintain their value effectively, largely due to their body type and reliable mechanics. However, other factors besides the make of a vehicle can affect its depreciation rate. Here are a few factors that impact the Ford Focus’ depreciation rate that you can plan for:
Age
A car’s age is one of the key factors that impact depreciation. Age relates closely to the model year, which is most often the year after the car’s initial release. If you’re purchasing a brand-new car in 2023, you’ll be looking at vehicles with a 2024 model year. Since cars lose most of their value in the first few years of ownership, a car’s age can tell you which stage of depreciation it’s in, which can guide you in choosing a model that will maintain its value longer.
Age can also affect depreciation because when a car gets too old, it becomes more expensive to repair. This is largely due to manufacturers discontinuing certain parts. The one exception is classic cars, as many classic cars hold their value well as collector’s items.
Body Type
Body type is another factor that contributes to a car’s depreciation. This refers to the car’s configuration and size. Popular body types include sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs, and convertibles. Since different body types perform better in various climates and terrain, the body type of a vehicle can sometimes cause it to depreciate more quickly. For instance, smaller body types, such as sedans and hatchbacks, often hold their value well because they have less weight and equipment than larger vehicles.
In contrast, large, rugged body types, such as trucks, usually hold their value better in harsh climates, as they have the equipment and mass to withstand extreme temperatures and weather. The Ford Focus is available in two body types: the hatchback and the sedan. These small body types hold their value well since they don’t use overtly heavy equipment and aren’t used for strenuous activities like off-roading or towing cargo.
Mileage
A car’s mileage is the total distance it’s been driven, as shown on the odometer. The standard for average mileage on a vehicle is between 12,000 and 15,000 miles per year, and this is the data we base our models on. When a car accrues more mileage than average, it can reduce its resale value because cars with high mileage often have the potential for costly repairs down the road. By driving a vehicle less frequently, it’s possible to preserve its mileage and resale value.
Overall Condition
The car’s overall condition can also impact its depreciation rate, as cars in visibly poor condition will have a lower resale value than cars in good condition. While all cars need regular maintenance to ensure their usability — which typically involves oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups — a car that’s had an overwhelming number of repairs will lose resale value. This is because cars that undergo frequent repairs will have the potential to break down again in the future, costing more money after they’re resold.
There’s a difference between regular wear-and-tear and damage that hastens depreciation, and it’s important to know the difference so you don’t purchase a vehicle that might lose value rapidly once you own it. If your car needs extensive repairs often, consider how much money it’ll take to keep it running and look into buying a different vehicle instead of putting more money into your current one.
Color
Even a car’s color can contribute to its depreciation rate. According to a recent study, yellow cars seem to depreciate the slowest of any paint color. Other colors with excellent resale value are beige, orange, green, and red. These shades hold their value well since demand for them remains high.
In terms of the quickest-depreciating colors, you can stay away from gold, brown, black, and silver vehicles when buying used. This is largely because subtle, neutral shades are typically common choices for drivers buying brand-new vehicles, so there’s always a large saturation of them in the market.
Other Costs of Ford Focus Ownership
Depreciation is only one aspect of the total cost of ownership you’ll encounter when you buy a Ford Focus. Here’s a look at some of the other costs that you’ll have to budget for when you purchase a new vehicle:
Insurance
Some vehicles cost more on average to insure than others. For example, a vehicle that includes driver-assist technologies and other advanced safety features is usually less expensive to insure, as these features protect the insurance company from risk. The average cost to insure a Ford Focus is $139 per month or $1,669 per year for full coverage. This is lower than the average cost of insurance in the U.S., which sits at $168 per month, or $2,014 per year for full coverage.
Maintenance
To ensure a vehicle keeps up its operability and value, you need to take it in for routine maintenance. The average annual repair cost for a Ford Focus is around $614 per year, but you can use our graph to find the cost of repairing and maintaining your specific model year. This average is still lower than the average repair costs for small and midsize sedans, which is just under $650 per year.
The Best Model Year To Buy a Ford Focus
Based on factors including price and reliability (but not depreciation), our choice for the best Ford Focus model years to buy are the 2006-2007, 2010-2011, and 2015-2017 model years, but check out our article on the best and worst years of the Ford Focus to get the whole story. This is because models from these years consistently get high reliability scores and minimal need for costly repairs. As the sweet spot for buying a Focus is between 2008 and 2011, you can also avoid the most depreciation by purchasing a 2010 or 2011 model.
Buying a Ford Focus New vs. Used
| 20-Year Projection | ||
| Years Since Purchased | Depreciated Value | With Inflation |
| 1 | $16,533 | $18,251 |
| 2 | $14,374 | $16,797 |
| 3 | $12,957 | $15,221 |
| 4 | $11,420 | $13,464 |
| 5 | $6,055 | $7,104 |
| 6 | $5,197 | $6,083 |
| 7 | $3,626 | $4,250 |
| 8 | $3,197 | $3,770 |
| 9 | $2,393 | $2,832 |
| 10 | $2,250 | $2,691 |
| 11 | $1,893 | $2,301 |
| 12 | $1,679 | $2,098 |
| 13 | $1,322 | $1,681 |
| 14 | $1,232 | $1,584 |
| 15 | $893 | $1,130 |
| 16 | $447 | $560 |
| 17 | $429 | $536 |
| 18 | $393 | $494 |
| 19 | $393 | $492 |
| 20 | $321 | $396 |
One way to save money when buying a Ford Focus is to opt for a used model rather than a brand-new one. This is because purchasing a used car almost always offers a lower cost upfront and protects you from the years of most rapid depreciation that you’d be responsible for when buying new one. However, the Ford was discontinued in 2018, so it is impossible to find a brand-new one. That doesn’t mean depreciation cools off. For example, a used 2018 Ford Focus is worth about $7,378 in 2023. This is an accumulated $14,363.83 in depreciation. For a used 2015 Ford Focus, you’re looking at a current market price of $3,713, which equates to $17,068.35 in depreciation.
There are a few tips you can keep in mind when buying a used car to ensure you get the best deal. Inspect its condition with great detail to identify any damage or features that aren’t working. You can also pay attention to rental lots near you to see which cars seem in the highest demand, as these models will likely see slower depreciation than unpopular models. When you’re ready to search for your next pre-owned model, visit our used car buying checklist for additional guidance.
Methodology
We base our data here on a Ford Focus in the base trim level, with standard configuration and features. This is key to note because different trim levels for the same vehicle will depreciate at varying rates. This is because models with more advanced technology and features, such as driver-assist technologies, can hold their value more effectively. The COVID-era chip shortage can also impact the resale value you see for your vehicle and the method you use to sell it, such as selling directly through a private party or trading it in at a dealership.
Keep in mind, there are large economic factors at play here too and the sale of new cars has caused shifts in the used market too. There is a stark difference in the cost of vehicles due to car manufacturers seeking higher profit margins after COVID as detailed by CNN and posted by CBS channel 58:
“… (T)he auto industry saw sky-high profits even as sales plummeted. Domestic manufacturers oApprovef cars and car parts saw a profit of $32 billion through the third quarter of 2022 (the latest data available) — their largest profit since 2016. Car dealerships also reported record-breaking profits through Q3, according to auto-retail advisers Haig Partners.
That’s because pandemic-era pent-up consumer demand remained strong as supply shifted, allowing automakers to increase their prices and their profit margins. Cars and trucks were sold nearly as soon as they hit dealership lots, and the average price paid for a vehicle in December soared to a near-record high of $46,382, according to J.D. Power.
Data from the Labor Department’s November Consumer Price Index shows American consumers are paying about 20% more for cars than they were in 2019.
The trend could continue into next year — research website Edmunds expects new-car sales to hit 14.8 million in 2023, a marginal increase from last year but well below pre-pandemic levels.
The auto industry has entered a new era: Less choice, higher prices and larger profit margins. So far it seems to be working for them.”
This shift by car companies to create higher profit margins by taking advantage of the heavily-reported-on chip shortage panic of COVID has had rebounding effects upon the value of used cars.
Be aware that newer years (the latest 3-4 model years) may be inflated in price because of this and depending on how big this problem is for the model you are considering – it may even be inflating the price of the older model years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Depreciation
Do Ford Focuses hold their value?
A Ford Focus will typically hold its value well, as these vehicles get great reliability scores and a low number of recalls. However, a few caveats can impact the resale value of a Ford Focus to keep in mind. The trim level and configuration you choose can help determine the resale value, as higher trims will likely hold their value better.
How you sell your car can also factor into its resale value, as you’ll see different offers from private parties versus dealerships. For example, according to Kelley Blue Book data, for a 2018 Ford Focus with standard options, good condition, and a generic color, such as black, you can get between $8,295 and $9,410 when trading it in at a dealership. For the same vehicle, you can expect between $10,153 and $11,628 when selling it through a private party.
What are the best years of Ford Focus to buy, and which ones should you avoid?
The best years of the Ford Focus to buy used are the 2006-2007, 2010-2011, and 2015-2017 model years. This is because Focuses from these years have gotten high reliability scores from drivers and lower needs for extensive repairs that cost a lot of money. There has also been an impressively low number of recalls for models from these years, which speaks to these models’ resiliency and impeccable build.
In terms of the worst years for the Focus, you can avoid buying models from 2001-2005, 2008-2009, 2012-2014, 2016, and 2018. Focuses from these years have shown a much higher number of recalls that speak to ongoing issues in their mechanics. Many drivers who own Focuses from these years also report issues with the powertrain, engine, and transmission, which all result in the need for costly repairs.
What's high mileage for a Ford Focus?
When a Ford Focus reaches around 130,000 miles, it’s said to have high mileage. This is because many Ford Focuses lose performance quality and require repairs after reaching this driving distance. However, some model years for the Ford Focus have shown to have useful lives up to 200,000 miles, so it’s helpful to review the mileage and performance reports for the model year you’re considering.
To preserve the useful life of your Ford Focus and keep the mileage as low as possible, try to drive it less frequently and avoid extensively long drives that will add a lot of miles to the odometer. This can help you ensure a good resale value by keeping the mileage lower than average and preventing it from reaching 130,000 miles or above.
How old of a Ford Focus should you buy to avoid most of the depreciation?
Since the sweet spot for depreciation for the Ford Focus falls between the 2008 and 2011 model years, you can avoid buying a car that will lose value rapidly by opting for a model from one of these years. The 2010 and 2011 models are also known as some of the best years to buy the Focus in terms of quality and resiliency, so opting for a Focus from 2010 or 2011 may be the most effective way to avoid the most depreciation.
References
(2023.) Best & Worst Years of Ford Focus – Graphs & Owner Surveys. Fixd. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2023, from https://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-ford-focus-graphs-owner-surveys/
(2023.) My Car’s Value: 2018 Ford Focus. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2023, from https://www.kbb.com/ford/focus/2018/se-hatchback-4d/?condition=good&extcolor=black&intent=trade-in-sell&mileage=12000&modalview=false&options=8081640%7ctrue&pricetype=private-party&vehicleid=431235
(2023.) 12 Factors That Affect Your Car’s Resale Value. Money Crashers. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2023, from https://www.moneycrashers.com/factors-affect-used-cars-resale-value/
(2023.) Ford Focus Insurance Cost. The Zebra. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2023, from https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/vehicles/ford/focus/
(2023.) Average Cost of Car Insurance in October 2023. Bankrate. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2023, from https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/average-cost-of-car-insurance/
(2023.) What Will Your Car Cost You? Average Annual Repair Bills Revealed. Fixd. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2023, from https://www.fixdapp.com/service/what-will-your-car-cost-you-average-annual-repair-bills-revealed/#h-small-sedans-affordable-repairs
(2022.) Understanding Car Depreciation. Bankrate. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2023, from https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/car/understanding-car-depreciation/
(2022.) Score a Great Deal on a Used Car by Understanding Depreciation. Capital One. Retrieved Oct. 16, 2023, from https://www.capitalone.com/cars/learn/getting-a-good-deal/score-a-great-deal-on-a-used-car-by-understanding-depreciation/1261
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