2012 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · LF62 BGE

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 11 February 2026 at 73,269 miles, but the test flagged two significant advisories: a slightly worn track rod end and a severely deteriorated constant velocity boot on the offside front drive shaft. These are not immediate failures but indicate advanced wear on critical steering and drivetrain components that will require prompt attention. The maintenance trend is not improving; the same side of the front suspension and driveline has shown progressive deterioration over the last two tests, suggesting deferred repairs and possible neglect. The recorded mileage of 73,269 over 14 years equates to an average of 5,234 miles annually, which is low and consistent with light use. However, the gap between the February 2024 and February 2025 tests shows no mileage increase, implying the car was not driven for a full year. The sudden jump from 66,163 to 66,169 miles between the failed and passed tests on the same day in February 2024 is implausible and likely a data entry error, but the fact that both front coil springs failed within hours of each other points to a serious, possibly structural, issue that was only resolved after replacement. The absence of mileage growth between 2024 and 2025 raises questions about long-term storage or infrequent use, which can accelerate rubber and seal degradation even without high mileage. A buyer must inspect the front suspension thoroughly, particularly the condition of both coil springs and their mounts, as the dual failure in 2024 suggests either poor-quality replacements or underlying corrosion in the spring seats. The CV boot failure on the offside front is a known precursor to joint failure and should be replaced immediately to avoid costly drivetrain damage. The brake pads were flagged as thin in 2025 and the tyres showed uneven wear as early as 2023, indicating possible alignment issues or worn suspension components that have not been corrected. The track rod end play confirmed in 2026 confirms steering geometry is compromised. A full underbody inspection for rust, especially around the front suspension towers and subframe, is essential, as the coil spring failures may stem from corrosion rather than fatigue. The car’s low mileage does not offset the risk of neglected maintenance on safety-critical systems.