2015 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · AB12 MCL

The most recent MOT, conducted on 13 October 2025 at 62,588 miles, passed, but the record reveals a maintenance pattern that is mixed at best. The same test initially failed on the same day due to a fractured offside rear anti-roll bar linkage, which was rectified before the pass. However, the tester flagged widespread corrosion across all four brake pipes and noted corrosion on the rear sub-frame and both rear lower suspension arms, albeit assessed as not seriously weakened at that time. This indicates a vehicle that is being kept on the road but with deferred attention to corrosion and wear items rather than proactive renewal. The mileage progression tells a story of very light use. Between the October 2023 test at 50,431 miles and the October 2025 test at 62,588 miles, the car covered roughly 12,157 miles in two years, averaging around 6,078 miles annually. Prior to that, the annual average was closer to 5,690 miles. The gap between the 2023 and 2025 tests is notable, with no recorded MOT in 2024 until October, yet the mileage jump suggests consistent use during that period. The low overall mileage for an eleven-year-old car is a double-edged sword: while drivetrain and engine wear may be limited, prolonged periods of standing can accelerate corrosion of brake components, seals, and underbody structures, which is precisely what the record shows. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the underside, particularly the rear sub-frame, rear lower suspension arms, and all four brake pipes. The repeated advisories for corrosion on these components, even when deemed not critical, suggest the car has been exposed to moisture and road salt without adequate underbody protection. The fractured anti-roll bar linkage in the October 2025 failure points to a component that was neglected until it broke, raising questions about the condition of the nearside linkage and rear suspension bushes. Check for uneven tyre wear, especially on the nearside front, which was flagged for edge wear and cracking at the last test. The exhaust system also warrants close scrutiny. The 2023 failure for a major exhaust leak and insecure heat shield, followed by an advisory for the same heat shield issue in the 2023 pass, indicates a recurring problem that may have been patched rather than properly repaired. Inspect the exhaust manifold, downpipe, and heat shield mounts for signs of temporary fixes or fresh welding. Overall, this Focus presents as a low-mileage car with a history of corrosion-related advisories and intermittent mechanical neglect rather than catastrophic failure, but the pattern suggests a buyer should budget for brake pipe renewal, rear suspension component checks, and a thorough underbody assessment before committing.