What is a 2009 Ford Focus worth today?

The value of a 2009 Ford Focus today typically falls in the low-to-mid thousands, with private-party sales generally around $2,000–$4,000 depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Dealer offers or trade-ins can be lower or higher based on market conditions and incentives, but exact figures depend on your car’s specifics.

Understanding what drives the price

Several factors determine how much a 2009 Focus is worth in today’s market. The following list highlights the main drivers buyers and sellers consider.

• Mileage: The most influential factor. Lower miles usually command higher prices; high mileage tends to reduce value.


• Condition: Exterior, interior, and mechanical health; cosmetic wear and notable defects can shave hundreds to thousands off value.


• Trim level and options: S, SE, and SEL trims, plus features like alloy wheels, power accessories, and sunroof, affect pricing.


• Transmission type: Manual vs automatic can influence value, depending on local demand and reliability perceptions.


• Title status: Clean titles fetch higher offers; salvaged or rebuilt titles typically reduce value.


• Maintenance history: Documented maintenance and recent service (tires, brakes, timing belt/chain where applicable) can boost value.


• Location and market conditions: Regional demand for compact hatchbacks and local used-car prices can shift value up or down.

These factors interact, so two similarly aged Focus cars can command noticeably different prices based on their individual histories.

Typical private-party value ranges by mileage

Notes on these ranges

These are rough private-party estimates for a US-spec 2009 Ford Focus hatchback with common configurations. Actual numbers vary by trim, options, condition, and regional market.

• Under 60,000 miles: roughly $3,500–$6,000


• 60,000–100,000 miles: roughly $2,500–$4,000


• 100,000–140,000 miles: roughly $1,800–$3,000


• 140,000 miles and up: roughly $1,000–$2,500

Dealer listings and trade-in offers can differ from private-party values. In many areas, dealers may price similarly aged Focus models higher or lower depending on inventory and local demand.

How to pin down the exact value today

To determine an exact value for your specific car, use multiple valuation tools and compare local listings. The steps below guide you to an accurate figure.

1. Gather the car’s details: year (2009), exact trim (S, SE, or SEL), transmission, options (if any), current mileage, VIN, title status, and a summary of mechanical or cosmetic issues.


2. Check valuation guides: enter accurate details on Kelley Blue Book (KBB), NADA Guides, and Edmunds True Market Value (TMV) to obtain private-party and trade-in estimates.


3. Survey local listings: look at nearby listings on AutoTrader, CarGurus, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace to see what similar Focus models are asking for and how long they stay on the market.


4. Consider a professional inspection: a pre-purchase inspection or input from a trusted mechanic can reveal issues that affect value.


5. Decide on sale channel: private-party sales typically yield higher net proceeds than a dealership trade-in, but require more effort and risk management.

Armed with these insights and real-world comparables, you’ll know whether to set a price, adjust for conditions, or pursue a specific sale channel.

Tips to maximize value

Small investments in preparation can lift your asking price or trade-in offer. Focus on the most impactful areas first.

• Clean the car inside and out; a professional detail can make a noticeable difference.


• Address obvious cosmetic issues (dings, scratches) and ensure tires and brakes are in decent shape.


• Keep maintenance records organized and readily available for buyers to review.


• Ensure all lights and safety equipment function properly; replace any failing components.


• Obtain a simple vehicle history report to reassure buyers about title status and prior incidents.

These steps can help close a fair deal more quickly, whether you’re selling privately or trading in at a dealership.

Summary: The value of a 2009 Ford Focus today is driven most by mileage, condition, trim, and market conditions. Expect private-party offers roughly in the $2,000–$4,000 range for typical cars, with higher values for lower mileage and better condition, and lower values for high mileage or poor maintenance history. To determine a precise figure, consult KBB, NADA, and Edmunds TMV, then compare local listings and consider a professional inspection if needed.

How many miles does a 2009 Ford Focus last?

A 2009 Ford Focus can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles, with some owners reporting even higher mileage, especially with proper and consistent maintenance. The lifespan of the vehicle depends heavily on regular servicing, such as oil changes and filter replacements, which help the car reach its full potential. 

• Average lifespan: 200,000 to 250,000 miles is a common range for a well-maintained 2009 Ford Focus. 
• Factors for longevity: Key factors for reaching this mileage are consistent maintenance, including oil and fluid changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements. 
• Higher mileage potential: Some owners have driven their 2009 Focuss for 300,000 miles or more, with reports of specific cars going even higher, though this often involves continuing to make repairs as needed. 
• Consequences of poor maintenance: Without proper care, the lifespan can be significantly shorter, potentially between 50,000 and 150,000 miles. 

How much is a used 2009 Ford Focus worth?

$811 to $2,823
The value of a used 2009 Ford Focus ranges from $811 to $2,823, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

What is the market value of the Ford Focus?

Depending on vehicle details such as the model, year and condition - the average used Ford Focus sells for $8,409 in the current market, which is -69.93% lower than the average used car. Recent used model years of the Ford Focus are currently priced at an average of $9,095, according to our used car price index.

What year to stay away from Ford Focus?

The Ford Focus years to avoid are 2012-2016, due to major issues with the automatic PowerShift transmission. Other years to avoid include 2007 and 2008 for electrical and steering problems, and 2017–2018, which had lingering transmission and other issues, although fewer than previous years. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems in the 3rd generation Ford Focus: 1m1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Apr 13, 2022
Problematic model years

• 2007–2008: These models are associated with faulty electrical systems, door handle failures, and frequent issues with steering and suspension. 
• 2012–2016: This range is considered the most problematic, primarily due to the PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which frequently failed and is expensive to repair. Problems included hesitation, jerking, and complete failure, often before 100,000 miles. Some models in this period also had issues with power steering and electrical glitches. 
• 2017–2018: While improved, these years still saw some lingering transmission problems and sporadic electrical issues. 

What to look for in other model years

• Manual transmission: The problematic issues mainly affected the automatic versions of the third-generation Focus (2012-2018). Models with a manual transmission from this period are generally considered more reliable. 
• Earlier models (pre-2012): While not entirely trouble-free, models before 2012, especially around 2011, are often seen as more reliable than their successors due to simpler transmissions. 
• Later models (post-2016): The 2018 and 2019 models are often praised for improved reliability and handling. 

You can watch this video to learn about common problems with Ford Focus models: 1mCarAraCYouTube · Nov 13, 2023