Official DVLA Record
MOT Valid
Road Tax Paid

2001 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · MK51 AUE

MK51 AUE

2001 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01/09/2001. Recorded mileage 78,223 miles. MOT valid until 09/06/2027. Taxed until 01/09/2026.

Make & Model
FORD FOCUS
Year / Origin
2001 · Manchester & Merseyside
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Valid until 09/06/2027
Road Tax
Taxed (01/09/2026)
Recorded Mileage
78,223 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Valid
Valid until 09/06/2027
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01/09/2026
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2001
Engine
1596cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

This vehicle presents an exceptionally clean MOT history with a stable maintenance trend. The most recent test on 16 May 2025 at 77,971 miles resulted in a pass with no defects recorded. This follows a consistent pattern of clean passes dating back to July 2022, suggesting a vehicle that has been kept in a roadworthy state without recurring mechanical failures. The mileage is remarkably low for a twenty-five-year-old car, averaging roughly 3,119 miles per year. Between July 2022 and May 2025, the odometer moved from 75,710 to 77,971 miles, confirming a very low annual usage of approximately 750 miles over the last three years. Such low activity often indicates the car has spent significant periods stationary, which carries different risks than high-mileage wear. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on components that degrade due to age and inactivity rather than usage. Rubber elements such as suspension bushes, tyre sidewalls, and coolant hoses can perish or crack even if the mileage remains low. Check for signs of seizing in the brake calipers and ensure the brake discs have not suffered from heavy surface corrosion due to standing. Inspect the underbody and sills for structural rust, as the MOT record does not flag corrosion, but older Ford Focus models are prone to oxidation in these areas. Verify the condition of the engine oil and fluids to ensure the vehicle has been serviced regularly despite the minimal distance covered. The lack of recorded defects over several years is positive, but the low usage pattern makes a thorough check of the seals and gaskets essential.

MK51 AUE Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 20/05/2026
  • 78,223 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring bodywork & corrosion items (3 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
85
/ 100 · Good
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Good

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.

✓ Valid MOT
✓ Taxed
✓ Good MOT pass rate (80%)
! Older vehicle
Experian Provenance Check

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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for MK51AUE

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Stolen
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Finance
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Write-off
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Salvage
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Imported
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Exported
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Scrapped
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Destruction
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V5C Logbook
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Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MK51 AUE Mileage History

  1. 27/06/202376,659 mi
  2. 27/06/202376,659 mi
  3. 11/06/202477,300 mi+641 mi
  4. 16/05/202577,971 mi+671 mi
  5. 20/05/202678,223 mi+252 mi

Average of roughly 540 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

MK51 AUE MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 13 Sept 2026, 21:22
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Ford Focus (MK51 AUE) between June 2023 and May 2026.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 20 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Bodywork (3 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Steering (1 issue), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 5 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.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
58/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£900-£1,200
Mileage
The mileage of 78,223 is significantly b...

Our Verdict

A rare, low-mileage example of an early Focus, but proceed with caution regarding rust. While mechanically sound and well-preserved in terms of usage, the emerging body corrosion is a significant long-term concern.

Given the very low mileage, this car may appeal to those looking for a clean, older example of the Focus. However, you should negotiate the price based on the corrosion noted in the May 2026 MOT. Corrosion in the integral body structure and sills can become expensive to weld and repair if it progresses from an advisory to a failure.

Check the service history for evidence of regular oil changes, as low-mileage cars that sit for long periods can suffer from perished seals. Ensure the power steering system is functioning smoothly, as a fluid leak was noted as an advisory in 2024. Verify that all suspension work, including the replacement of the fractured coil springs and anti-roll bar linkages seen in 2020 and 2021, was carried out by a reputable garage.

The 1.6L petrol engine is relatively economical for its era, though it will not match modern fuel efficiency standards. Expect moderate fuel costs and a standard insurance group for a small family hatchback.

Maintenance costs are generally low for this model due to the abundance of affordable spare parts in the UK. However, the age of the vehicle means rubber components and suspension bushings are likely to require periodic replacement. Estimated annual running costs, including tax, insurance, and basic maintenance, are likely to be modest.

The primary area of inspection must be the underside and sills. The May 2026 MOT specifically highlighted corrosion on the nearside front, nearside rear inner, and offside rear inner integral body structures. Use a torch to inspect these areas for bubbling paint or visible rust holes.

Additionally, check the power steering pipe for signs of seepage, following the 2024 advisory. Inspect the front suspension bushings and ball joints, as these have been recurring themes in the MOT history (2020, 2021, and 2025). Finally, check the condition of the fuel pipes, as corrosion was noted in 2018; ensure these have been treated or replaced to avoid leaks.

This 2001 black Ford Focus 1.6 petrol has covered only 78,223 miles over 25 years, which is exceptionally low for its age. The MOT history shows a vehicle that has been kept in roadworthy condition, though it has suffered from typical age-related wear such as broken coil springs and suspension play. The most pressing concern is the recent 2026 MOT advisories regarding corrosion in the sills and body structure.

The early Ford Focus is generally regarded as a robust and handling-focused hatchback, though it is prone to rust in the sills and wheel arches in the UK climate.

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