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Best approach

Your 2018 Focus Estate should take two cross-bars fitted across the existing longitudinal roof rails, then separate bike carriers mounted onto those bars.

The key issue is that 2018 spans two different Focus generations:

• Focus Mk3 Estate, registered/produced up to March 2018: Ford cross-bar part 1880359, for cars with *closed/flush rails*.
• Focus Mk4 Estate, from April 2018: Ford cross-bar part 2203142, with a different fitment. (shop.ford.co.uk)

Do not buy based on “2018 Focus Estate” alone. Check the car’s shape, VIN, or the listing’s exact compatibility.

How to identify your rails

• Flush/closed rails: the rail sits almost against the roof, with little or no hand space underneath. This is likely if you describe them as metal rails running along the roof.
• Raised/open rails: you can easily get your fingers underneath the rail. These use a different, more universal type of foot.

Thule’s specific Focus Mk3 Estate kit is 186022, and it is explicitly for flush railing, with a 75 kg maximum system load. (thule.com)

What I would look for secondhand

Option 1: Ford OEM bars — simplest fit

Search eBay/Facebook Marketplace for:

• Ford Focus estate 2011 2018 roof bars 1880359
• Ford Focus Mk3 estate flush rail roof bars
• Ford Focus estate genuine lockable roof bars
• If it is a newer Mk4: Ford Focus estate 2018 roof bars 2203142

Ford’s genuine Mk3 bars are aluminium, lockable, weigh approximately 4 kg and are rated to 75 kg including the bars. (shop.ford.co.uk)

Good secondhand price target: roughly £50–£120 for a complete, tidy set, depending on condition and whether keys are included. Current eBay searches show both generic and genuine-style sets, but check the exact rail type carefully. (ebay.co.uk)

Option 2: Thule — best used-buy choice

Look for a complete Thule setup such as:

• Thule WingBar / WingBar Evo / WingBar Edge
• Correct feet and Focus-specific fitting kit
• For a Mk3 flush-rail car, look for Thule kit 186022
• Avoid listings selling only the aluminium bars unless you already have compatible feet

Thule’s current ProRide 598 bike carrier fits Thule WingBar products and carries one bike up to 20 kg. It works with T-track bars, although the appropriate adapter may be needed depending on the bar. (thule.com)

Search for:

• Thule WingBar Ford Focus estate flush rails
• Thule 186022 Focus estate
• Thule roof bars Focus Mk3 estate
• Thule ProRide 598 used
• Thule Freeride 532 used

The Thule FreeRide 532 is cheaper and lighter-duty, rated to 17 kg, while the ProRide 598 is the better all-round used purchase at 20 kg capacity. (thule.com)

Option 3: Atera, Yakima or Halfords

These can also be suitable, but only buy when the seller can identify the complete fitment:

• Atera roof bars and Giro bike carriers
• Yakima bars and FrontLoader/HighRoad carriers
• Halfords Advanced or similar bars and bike carriers

For secondhand purchases, Thule and Ford OEM are usually easier to verify because model numbers and fitting instructions are readily available.

Bike carrier recommendation

For ordinary bikes, I would look for:

1. Thule ProRide 598 — best balance of security, ease of use and resale value.
2. Thule FreeRide 532 — cheaper, suitable for lighter bikes up to 17 kg.
3. Yakima FrontLoader/HighRoad — useful if you do not want a carrier clamping directly onto the bike frame.
4. Generic upright carriers — acceptable if complete and undamaged, but I would be more cautious about unknown brands when carrying expensive bikes.

Check that the carrier supports:

• Your bike’s weight
• Wheel size and tyre width
• Through-axles, if applicable
• Carbon frames, if relevant
• The specific cross-bar profile

For carbon-framed bikes, avoid direct frame clamping unless the carrier is specifically designed for it or used with the manufacturer’s frame protector. E-bikes are often too heavy for roof carriers and are generally better carried on a towbar-mounted platform rack.

What to check before buying used

Ask the seller for photographs of:

• Both bars
• All four feet/towers
• Every clamp or fitting piece
• Locks and keys
• Rubber pads and end caps
• The model number stamped on the bar or foot
• The fitting instructions, if available

Avoid buying if:

• The seller says “fits most cars” without naming the Focus generation
• It is missing feet, clamps or the vehicle-specific fitting kit
• The aluminium is cracked, badly bent or deeply corroded
• The rubber pads are missing or perished
• The bike carrier has a damaged frame clamp, wheel strap or locking mechanism
• The seller cannot confirm whether it is for flush/closed or raised/open rails

My practical recommendation

If your Focus is the Mk3 Estate with flush rails, I would search for either:

Complete Ford OEM 1880359 roof bars, or

Thule WingBar system including kit 186022

Then add one or two used Thule ProRide 598 carriers. This is likely to give you a reliable setup without paying new-equipment prices.

If it is the Mk4 Estate, search specifically for the 2018-on/Mk4 fitment and do not buy the Mk3 1880359 or Thule 186022 system without confirming compatibility.

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