2001 Ford Focus 2.0L Petrol · HN51 ASO
2001 Ford Focus (2.0L, petrol). First registered 13/09/2001. Recorded mileage 128,554 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Portsmouth
- MOT Status
- Valid until 06/12/2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 128,554 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1988cc
HN51 ASO Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/12/2022
- 128,554 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
HN51 ASO Mileage History
- 07/12/2021119,135 mi
- 07/12/2021119,135 mi
- 06/12/2022128,515 mi+9,380 mi
- 06/12/2022128,554 mi+39 mi
Average of roughly 9,447 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
HN51 ASO MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Ford Focus (HN51 ASO) between December 2021 and December 2022.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 06 December 2022 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”; “Nearside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution or avoid. This vehicle shows significant signs of structural corrosion and recurring mechanical issues that suggest it may be nearing the end of its practical life.
If you are considering this vehicle, a professional pre-purchase inspection is mandatory, focusing heavily on the chassis and underbody. You must verify that the previous major corrosion issues—specifically the sill and seat belt anchorage failures noted in 2017 and 2018—have been professionally repaired and not just patched over.
Negotiate heavily based on the documented history of oil leaks and steering rack issues. Ask for comprehensive service records to see if the 'slight leaks' mentioned in 2021 and the 'engine oil leaks' noted since 2014 have been addressed. Given the age and the recurring nature of the advisories, do not pay a premium for this car; it should be priced as a budget runner with known upcoming maintenance needs.
As a 2.0L petrol model from 2001, running costs will be higher than a modern equivalent. Expect mid-range fuel economy typical for a non-turbocharged engine of this era. Tax and insurance groups for a 2001 Focus are generally affordable, making it relatively cheap to insure for newer drivers.
However, maintenance costs may be unpredictable. The MOT history shows a pattern of needing frequent replacements for tyres, brake pads, and suspension components like ball joints and track rod ends. Budget for higher-than-average annual maintenance to keep this vehicle safe on the road.
The most critical area to inspect is the underside of the car. The MOT history reveals a history of 'excessively corroded' sills and suspension mountings, as well as corroded fuel pipes. Check for any signs of fresh rust or recent welding work.
Secondly, inspect the steering and suspension. The vehicle has had issues with the steering rack gaiter, steering rack leaks, and worn ball joints. Test the steering for any play or noise. Finally, look closely at the engine bay for signs of the ongoing oil leaks mentioned consistently in the MOT records since at least 2014.
This 2001 Ford Focus 2.0L petrol has covered 128,554 miles and presents a concerning MOT history. While it has passed recent tests, the vehicle has a long-standing pattern of serious structural corrosion, specifically affecting sills and seat belt anchorages. The history of major failures regarding suspension and steering components indicates a car that has required frequent, heavy maintenance to remain roadworthy.
While the Ford Focus is generally regarded as a robust hatchback, individual examples from this era can suffer from significant underbody corrosion if not maintained in salt-free environments.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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