2013 FORD FOCUS1.6L DIESEL

The most recent MOT, conducted on 24 October 2025 at 141,658 miles, passed with zero defects. This clean certificate is only eight months old and represents a notable improvement over the preceding tests, suggesting the previous owner addressed a cluster of faults shortly before sale or a recent change of ownership. The maintenance trend appears to be improving, as the vehicle failed twice on the same day in October 2025 before passing, with the rectified items including steering rack joints, gaiters, shock absorbers, and tyres. The current pass is valid until October 2026, giving a buyer short-term compliance but no long-term guarantee of underlying condition. The mileage pattern is broadly typical for a 2013 Focus of this age, averaging roughly 10,900 miles per year. The record shows a modest accumulation of 2,608 miles between the October 2024 test at 139,050 miles and the October 2025 test at 141,658 miles, indicating light recent use rather than sustained high-mileage running. There are no obvious gaps or sudden jumps in the recorded data, and the annual test dates have been consistent each October, which implies regular rather than sporadic use. The vehicle has not been standing idle for long periods, but neither has it been driven hard enough to suggest fleet or high-intensity commuter wear. The October 2025 failures reveal a pattern of neglected steering and suspension components. Play in the steering rack inner joint and a missing offside rack gaiter point to wear and contamination risk in the rack assembly, which can accelerate if the gaiter has been open for any length of time. Both rear shock absorbers were flagged for light oil misting, an early indicator of seal degradation that can progress to damping loss, especially on a car now beyond 140,000 miles. A worn nearside rear trailing arm bush was also noted, and while the tester judged it not yet excessive, this is a load-bearing component that can affect rear wheel alignment and tyre wear if left unchecked. A prospective buyer should inspect the rack for roughness through full lock, check the gaiter replacement quality, and examine the rear shocks for fresh oil dampness and bounce-test performance. Beyond the flagged items, the October 2024 advisory on a slightly damaged nearside obligatory mirror and the repeated tyre cracking advisories across multiple tests suggest cosmetic and rubber-component upkeep was inconsistent. The October 2024 failure for mismatched front tyres and a ply-damaged tyre indicates at least one instance of poor tyre maintenance or emergency replacement. A buyer should verify the age and condition of all four tyres, inspect the inner sidewalls for perishing, and check the nearside mirror glass and housing for cracks. Given the age and mileage, a thorough underbody inspection for corrosion, particularly around rear suspension mounting points and subframe, is advisable even though no structural corrosion has been flagged in the supplied record.