170,000 Miles in a Ford Focus: Lessons from a Workhorse

My 2013 Ford Focus Estate has done 170,000 miles. And it's still going. No drama, no major breakdowns — just a car that refuses to quit.

In a world where people trade in cars every three years, there's something satisfying about keeping one going. Here's what I've learned from a decade with the same motor.

Regular maintenance is everything

Oil changes, filters, brake pads — nothing glamorous, but it's the reason this car is still on the road. Skip the basics and you'll pay for it later. Stay on top of them and the car rewards you with reliability.

Don't judge a car by its badge

A Ford Focus isn't exciting. Nobody's turning heads at the petrol station. But it starts every morning, carries everything I need, and has never left me stranded. That's worth more than any badge.

The estate is underrated

I've carried camera gear, bike parts, camping equipment, and once an entire flat-pack wardrobe in the back of this thing. The estate version is genuinely practical — and it still handles well on a B-road.

Will it make 200,000?

That's the goal. 30,000 miles to go. At this point it feels personal — me and this car against the clock. I'll keep you posted.