DVLA verified

2001 FORD FOCUS1.6L Petrol

MK51 AVC

Vehicle Insight Summary

This 2001 FORD FOCUS is a Petrol vehicle with a 1596cc engine. Currently it has no valid MOT recorded and is not currently taxed. The latest recorded mileage is 87,938.

MOT

Expired

Expires 31/01/2025

Tax

SORN

Statutory Off Road Notification

£8.99

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Mileage: 87,938
Fuel: Petrol
Year: 2001
Engine: 1596cc

Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight

The 2024‑02‑01 MOT at 87,938 miles recorded the offside rear brake pipe as corroded and covered in grease, showing that the brake‑pipe corrosion issue persists and the maintenance trend remains concerning. The mileage has risen from 48,104 miles in 2011 to 87,938 miles in 2024, an increase of roughly 3,500 miles per year, with the most recent test only 150 miles beyond the 2023 failure at 87,788 miles, indicating steady use and no major gaps in the record. A buyer should inspect the rear suspension spring mounting areas for excessive corrosion that compromises structural strength, examine the condition of the rear brake pipes and calipers for binding or leaks, verify the integrity of the exhaust system and Lambda readings, and assess the structural rigidity of the sills and arches for any loss of rigidity due to rust. Although the vehicle cleared the latest test, the pattern of recurring brake‑pipe corrosion, suspension rust and exhaust deficiencies suggests potential long‑term mechanical vulnerability, making a detailed physical inspection essential before purchase.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

Vehicle Public Record vs. Hidden Financial Risk

/ 100 · Below Average

DVSA MOT History: Verified

Public MOT roadworthiness: Below Average.

This score reflects past DVSA test passes and advisory frequency. However, it does not check if the car has £15,000 of unpaid finance, an insurance write-off marker, or a police theft report.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed

! Tax Status Unknown

✓ Good MOT pass rate (75%)

! Older vehicle

Hidden Legal & Financial Status: PENDING

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Verified Experian Data

Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for MK51AVC

Data provided by Experian

Stolen

Locked

Finance

Locked

Write-off

Locked

Salvage

Locked

Imported

Locked

Exported

Locked

Scrapped

Locked

Destruction

Locked

V5C Logbook

Locked

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Technical Specifications

AI Intelligence

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Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 30 Jul 2026, 08:12

Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

Checking the history for this 2001 Ford Focus (MK51 AVC), we found 4 MOT results in the period of November 2021 to February 2024.

Historically, this vehicle has passed 75% of its MOT tests, totaling 3 passes against 1 fails. While not perfect, the history shows a relatively typical pattern of MOT passes and fails.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Exhaust & Emissions (6 issues), Bodywork (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There are 14 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

A total of 6 failure items have been recorded across all tests. Recent failure items include: “Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))”; “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”; “Exhaust carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits (8.2.1.2 (b))”.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS

FAIL

ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide

AI-powered analysis based on real MOT data and market insights.

Buying Score

35/100

Risk Level

High

Est. Annual Cost

£900-£1,200

Mileage

The recorded mileage of 87,938 miles is ...

Our Verdict

Proceed with extreme caution or avoid this vehicle. While the mileage is reasonable for its age, the history of severe structural corrosion and recent emission failures suggests a high-risk investment nearing its end.

The primary focus for any buyer must be a structural inspection. The MOT history shows documented corrosion in the sills, arches, and suspension mountings over several years. The 2023 failure for 'excessively corroded' structural areas is a major red flag; you must verify if these repairs were professionally welded or merely patched up with grease and paint.

Check the engine performance thoroughly, as the 2023 failure for excessive carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and lambda readings suggests potential issues with the fuel system, oxygen sensors, or engine health. Ask for a full service history, as the MOT record shows multiple recurring advisories for oil leaks and suspension components (ball joints, track rod ends) that were not always addressed until they caused failures.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — AI-assisted analysis verified by automotive experts.