2001 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · SG51 ADX
2001 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 25/09/2001. Recorded mileage 113,073 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Glasgow
- MOT Status
- Valid until 10/09/2025
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 113,073 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1596cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
SG51 ADX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 19/08/2025
- 113,073 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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SG51 ADX Mileage History
- 10/08/2022110,473 mi
- 15/08/2022110,516 mi+43 mi
- 12/09/2023112,285 mi+1,769 mi
- 12/08/2024112,836 mi+551 mi
- 19/08/2025113,073 mi+237 mi
Average of roughly 859 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
SG51 ADX MOT History
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 (SG51 ADX) between August 2022 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 19 August 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (5 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 13 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.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural stren”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”; “Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution unless you are a mechanic prepared for structural repairs. This vehicle suffers from progressive structural corrosion that appears to be reaching a terminal stage for an older car.
Your primary focus must be the structural integrity of the chassis. The MOT history shows a clear pattern of rust moving from 'not seriously weakened' to 'significantly reducing structural strength' over the last five years. Before purchasing, have a specialist mechanic perform a thorough inspection of the sub-frame, sills, and rear suspension mounting areas. If the corrosion is extensive, the cost of welding repairs will likely exceed the market value of the car.
Check the service history for evidence of timing belt changes, as the 113,000 mile mark is a critical interval for these engines. Given the age and mileage, also verify the condition of the brake lines and fuel pipes, which have been flagged as corroded in multiple MOT tests (2020, 2024).
The 1596cc petrol engine is relatively economical, likely achieving 35-40 mpg depending on driving conditions. As an older 2001 model, it falls into a low tax band and generally modest insurance groups, making it cheap to run annually.
However, maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the need for suspension components (shock absorbers, bushes) and potential welding work. Estimate an annual running cost of approximately £800-£1,100 including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine maintenance.
Focus heavily on the rear sub-frame and suspension mounting points. The MOT history specifically lists 'excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength' in these areas in both 2020 and 2025. Look for bubbling rust on the paintwork around the sills and wheel arches.
Examine the rear brake pipes and fuel filler pipes; these have been noted for corrosion in 2020 and 2024. Additionally, check the rear shock absorbers for leaks, as the 2025 failure was due to a serious fluid leak on the offside rear.
This 2001 Ford Focus has covered over 113,000 miles and shows a concerning history of escalating structural issues. While the 1.6L petrol engine is generally robust, the MOT record reveals repeated major failures related to corroded subframes and suspension mounting points. The most recent MOT failure in August 2025 indicates that the corrosion in the rear suspension mounts significantly reduces structural strength.
The first-generation Ford Focus is known for its excellent handling, but early models are prone to rust in critical structural areas as they age.
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
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