The FORD FOCUS (1998-05) 5DR HATCHBACK 1.8 TDCI 100 LX is a practical five-door family hatchback from a hugely popular part of the UK used-car market. It offers useful cabin and boot space without the size or cost of a larger car, making it a sensible option for everyday journeys, shopping and commuting. Mycarcheck.com recorded 43 look-ups covering 37 different vehicles, giving a useful snapshot of cars checked. These showed an average private-sale valuation of £400 and average recorded mileage of 126,000 miles; average annual mileage was 8,000. Cars had just over four previous keepers on average, so check each car’s history and condition carefully. The 1.8-litre diesel suits drivers covering longer trips, while the five-door layout works for couples, families and budget-minded commuters. The Focus is praised for an enjoyable drive, helping it stand out against rivals including the Vauxhall Astra and Volkswagen Golf. At this age, condition matters most.