2010 Ford Focus ST-2 2.5L Petrol · TNZ 1373

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 23 June 2025 with no advisories or defects recorded, indicating that at the time of inspection it satisfied all statutory roadworthiness requirements. With only three passing entries on file and no recorded advisories, the documented maintenance trend is best described as stable, though the very sparse history limits any detailed longitudinal analysis. The 2018 and 2017 test entries also show clean passes, which is encouraging, but the absence of recorded advisories across a seven-year gap does not necessarily mean the vehicle has been mechanically trouble-free; it simply means no items were flagged at the time of testing. A prospective buyer should therefore place greater weight on a current physical inspection than on the MOT certificate alone. The recorded mileage of 36,166 miles over approximately sixteen years equates to an annual usage rate of around 2,260 miles, which is substantially below average for a car of this age and is indicative of either genuine low use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage carries specific concerns that differ from those associated with high-mileage examples, particularly in relation to age-related deterioration of components that degrade with time rather than with use. The seven-year gap between the 2018 MOT and the 2025 MOT suggests that the vehicle may have been off the road for a considerable period, during which mechanical condition can deteriorate through inactivity rather than wear. Low recorded mileage should not be interpreted as evidence of a well-maintained example without supporting service history documentation. Given the extended standing periods implied by the mileage profile, particular attention should be paid to components that suffer from inactivity. Brake discs are highly susceptible to surface corrosion when a vehicle is left unused, and binding or seized calipers are a common consequence; during a test drive, listen for scraping or grinding on initial application and feel for any pulling to one side under braking, which would suggest a seized caliper slide or piston. The exhaust system should be examined for internal corrosion, particularly at the box joints and mounting rubbers, as moisture accumulation in a stationary system accelerates rust-through. Tyres warrant close inspection for sidewall perishing and cracking due to age, even if the tread depth appears adequate, and a 2010-dated tyre is well beyond the typical six-year replacement window recommended by manufacturers regardless of remaining tread. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as prolonged standing without regular charging significantly reduces its service life, and a sluggish crank or dashboard warning light on first start would suggest imminent replacement. Beyond the inactivity-related concerns, time-based servicing items must be verified independently of the odometer reading. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and degrades on a calendar basis, typically requiring replacement every two to three years regardless of mileage; a fluid test or at minimum a service record confirming recent replacement should be sought. Coolant, engine oil, and the various drive belts and hoses should be inspected for condition rather than simply for presence, and any evidence of weeping from the radiator, power steering, or engine seals would warrant further investigation. For a Ford Focus ST-2 specifically, the turbocharged powertrain benefits from regular oil changes with the correct specification, and the intercooler and associated boost hoses are known to degrade with age. A thorough road test should include assessing clutch bite point for any slipping or juddering indicative of wear or contamination from standing, listening for any suspension clonks over uneven surfaces that would point to perished bushes or top mounts, and confirming that all warning lights extinguish promptly after engine start. Verification of a full documented service history from a recognised specialist or main dealer would provide substantial additional reassurance for what is otherwise an unusually low-mileage example of an enthusiast model.