2010 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · SF60 AAE

The most recent MOT test on this 2010 Ford Focus was conducted on 8 July 2025 and resulted in a fail with two major defects and one advisory. The vehicle did pass on the same date, but the failure entries reflect the condition presented for test. The major items were a fractured offside rear coil spring, which is a serious structural and handling defect that would have resulted in immediate failure, and a nearside front tyre not fitted in accordance with the sidewall directional or rotation instructions, which is a straightforward replacement issue. The advisory notes light oil misting on the nearside front shock absorber. Looking at the broader trajectory across 2024 and 2025, the maintenance trend is clearly worsening rather than stable. The vehicle accumulated multiple advisories on both front brake discs, a fractured coil spring, worn suspension components, fluctuating rear brake performance, and various lighting and wiper defects. A prospective buyer should treat this pattern as evidence that the car has been deferred in its upkeep, and that further rectification work is highly likely to be required shortly after purchase. The recorded mileage of 130,905 miles over approximately 16 years equates to an annual average of around 8,182 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with mixed urban and short-journey use rather than sustained motorway driving. The MOT history shows a notable gap between February 2023 and January 2024, with no recorded annual test in 2022, suggesting either a period off the road or test scheduling irregularity that could be worth clarifying with the seller. The 2023 test showed surface corrosion on the underside, which is age-appropriate for a sixteen-year-old car but is the sort of finding that tends to progress if the car has been exposed to winter road salts or coastal conditions. The mileage itself, while not excessive, places this Focus firmly in the higher-wear category for suspension bushes, engine mounts, clutch components, and general drivetrain fatigue, so drivetrain noises and clutch slip under load should be expected as plausible findings on inspection. The 2025 defects are particularly important. A fractured rear coil spring will have resulted in visible vehicle sag on that corner, possible tyre contact with the body under load, and a harsh or clonky ride over bumps. The nearside front shock absorber oil misting suggests the seal has begun to fail, which will progress to noticeable damping loss and extended stopping distances, often accompanied by a slight nose-dive under braking. The worn front brake discs flagged across both 2024 advisories would typically present as brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm braking and visible lipping on the disc edge, and replacement is likely required alongside fresh pads. The 2024 suspension failures on the nearside front ball joint and rear suspension bushes indicate the front suspension has already required rectification, and any remaining clonks, knocks, or wandering behaviour over uneven surfaces should be taken seriously. The fluctuating rear service brake recorded in 2024 often points to a binding rear caliper or a worn handbrake mechanism, both common on Focus models of this generation, and a test drive should include a series of moderate stops to check for pulling, juddering, or a hot-smell from the rear wheels after use.