2001 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · Y811 FHJ
2001 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 09/03/2001. Recorded mileage 104,983 miles. MOT status: Expired.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Leeds
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11/04/2023
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 104,983 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.
Y811 FHJ Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 27/03/2023
- 104,983 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 11 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
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
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Y811 FHJ Mileage History
- 11/04/202290,221 mi
- 11/04/202290,222 mi+1 mi
- 27/03/2023104,983 mi+14,761 mi
Average of roughly 15,399 miles per year across 3 recorded odometer readings.
Y811 FHJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Ford Focus (Y811 FHJ) between April 2022 and March 2023.
The record contains 1 pass and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 27 March 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue), Windscreen (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 7 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: “Emissions unable to be completed excessive smoke (8.2.1.2 (d))”; “Windscreen washer jets misaligned and not providing sufficient fluid to the windscreen (3.5 (a))”; “Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration (8.2.1.2 (g))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Exercise extreme caution and avoid this vehicle unless you are prepared for significant structural repairs. The combination of severe corrosion and engine issues makes this a high-risk purchase.
Do not purchase this vehicle without a professional structural inspection. The MOT history shows a long-term pattern of corrosion that has escalated from 'advisories' to 'major failures' involving the front sub-frame and rear suspension mounting areas. These are not simple fixes and often require expensive welding or component replacement.
Furthermore, the 2023 failure for excessive blue smoke suggests internal engine issues, likely related to piston rings or valve seals. If you are considering this car, negotiate heavily based on the cost of potential structural welding and engine work. Ensure you check if the 'sill covers' mentioned in previous tests have been removed to allow for a proper inspection of the outer sills.
Running costs for this 1.6L petrol Focus will be relatively standard for its age, with modest insurance groups and fuel economy. However, maintenance costs are likely to be disproportionately high due to the recurring issues with suspension components, brake pipes, and the current engine state.
Expect higher-than-average annual maintenance costs due to the need for structural repairs and potential engine rebuilds. Estimated annual running costs, including fuel, tax, and anticipated repairs, are significantly higher than a healthy equivalent.
A thorough inspection of the underside is mandatory. Specifically, look at the front sub-frame and the rear suspension component mounting areas, as these have been flagged for 'excessive corrosion' and 'seriously weakened' structural integrity in recent years. Check the rear wheel arches, which have a history of corrosion.
Mechanically, pay close attention to the exhaust. The 2023 MOT failure for 'excessive dense blue smoke' is a major red flag for engine health. Additionally, check the brake pipes and fluid levels, as the history shows recurring issues with corroded brake pipes and low brake fluid. Finally, inspect the boot area for signs of the 'water in boot' advisory noted in 2023, which could indicate leaks or rust.
This 2001 silver Ford Focus 1.6 petrol has a concerning MOT history characterised by progressive structural decay and recent mechanical failure. While the mileage of 104,983 is relatively moderate for a 25-year-old car, the vehicle has suffered multiple major failures related to sub-frame corrosion and suspension mountings. Most critically, the most recent MOT in 2023 recorded excessive blue smoke and emissions, indicating serious engine wear.
While the Ford Focus is generally a robust platform, this specific vehicle demonstrates the typical age-related vulnerabilities of the era, specifically structural rust and suspension wear.
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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