2015 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · MC65 ABX

The most recent MOT test on 2026-03-05 was passed with no recorded defects, marking a positive turnaround from the previous year’s failures. While the vehicle’s MOT history shows a mix of passing and failing advisories, particularly around tyre wear and the coolant leak, the trend since 2024 has been largely stable, with only minor issues rather than recurring mechanical failures. The 2025-01-09 test highlighted persistent near-side front tyre wear close to the legal limit and a coolant leak, alongside a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) malfunction, which were not present in subsequent tests. This suggests either a one-off issue with tyre installation or alignment, or a developing problem with the coolant system or TPMS sensor, but the vehicle has since been cleared of these specific concerns. The recorded mileage of 120,423 miles for a 2015 Ford Focus represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 10,948 miles per year, which is within the expected range for a vehicle of this age and class. Lower mileage might indicate periods of inactivity or less frequent use, potentially leading to issues such as standing corrosion on brake components, suspension wear from lack of movement, or fluid degradation from stagnation. Conversely, higher mileage could accelerate wear on consumables like tyres, brakes, and suspension components, particularly if the vehicle has been driven under heavy loads or in harsh conditions. The absence of significant mileage spikes or sudden increases over the past few years suggests a consistent but not overly aggressive driving profile, though the near-side tyre wear advisories from 2025 warrant closer inspection to determine whether this is due to uneven loading, poor alignment, or a one-time event. Given the recurring tyre wear advisories and the coolant leak recorded in 2025, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the front tyres, focusing on the near-side tread pattern for signs of excessive wear, cupping, or uneven distribution. On a test drive, listen for any unusual noises from the front wheels, such as clunking or scraping, which could indicate misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or binding calipers. The coolant leak may suggest a failing water pump, radiator seal, or hose, so check for any visible fluid leaks under the vehicle, particularly around the engine bay and radiator area. If the coolant leak persists, the buyer should also verify the temperature gauge and engine performance for overheating symptoms, as coolant degradation or a failing thermostat could exacerbate the issue. For the broader vehicle assessment, the buyer should verify the tyre sidewall condition for signs of cracking or perishing, which can occur even at moderate mileage due to age-related degradation of the rubber compound. Given the vehicle’s age and the potential for standing, inspect the brake system for signs of corrosion on discs and linings, or binding calipers, which can lead to reduced braking efficiency or uneven wear. The TPMS warning on the 2024 test indicates a potential sensor failure or wiring issue, so the buyer should test the system manually by inflating and deflating the tyres to see if the warning clears, or replace the sensor if it remains active. Additionally, since the vehicle has been driven over 120,000 miles, it is advisable to check the fluid levels, particularly the engine oil, brake fluid, and differential fluid, for signs of contamination or degradation. If the service history is incomplete, the buyer should verify the last oil change and fluid top-up dates, as oil changes should ideally be performed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, to maintain engine longevity. Lastly, given the vehicle’s age, a thorough inspection of the exhaust system for leaks, corrosion, or structural integrity is recommended, as well as checking for any unusual noises or vibrations during acceleration or braking.