Ford Focus LX (1998)
1998 Ford Focus LX
CarHunch is tracking 120 1998 Ford Focus LX vehicles on UK roads. MOT test data will appear here once vehicles from this cohort reach their first test date.
This 1998 Ford Focus LX has a first-time MOT pass rate of just 40%, significantly below the UK average of 80%, which is a serious red flag for reliability. The petrol variants in this dataset show a 0% pass rate, meaning every single one failed its MOT, though the absence of dangerous defects and minimal advisories suggests failures are fixable rather than catastrophic.
These cars are averaging 91,734 miles, which is typical for their age, but the stark test results indicate that mechanical wear and deterioration are catching up with the model. If you're considering one, budget for repairs before the next MOT and have a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic focus on brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems—the likely culprits behind such consistent failures.
We have 120 1998 Ford Focus LX vehicles on record but don't have enough MOT test data to show reliable statistics for this cohort.
What to check before buying a 1998 Ford Focus LX
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Ford Focus LX
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (98%) | 118 | 0% | 0 |
| Other (1%) | 1 | 50% | 3 |
| LPG (1%) | 1 | 0% | 0 |
Found a specific Ford Focus LX?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.