2021 Ford Focus ST-Line Edition Mhev 1.0L Petrol · AV71 ALE

The 2021 Ford Focus ST-Line Edition MHEV most recently passed its MOT on 26 August 2026 with a single advisory relating to the rear brake discs, which were noted as worn, pitted or scored but not seriously weakened on both sides. Prior tests conducted in September 2024 and August 2025 returned clean passes with no advisories or defects recorded. This pattern suggests a broadly stable maintenance profile, with the vehicle clearing all statutory roadworthiness criteria over the past three tests and only a minor advisory surfacing at the latest assessment. Because the brake disc observation is the first flagged item in the recent history, it is not yet a recurring concern, but it does warrant close attention as it represents the earliest stage of component degradation and will progress if not monitored. With approximately 34,285 miles recorded over a five-year period, the vehicle has been driven at an average rate of roughly 6,857 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and aligns with consistent, mixed-use driving rather than excessive mileage accumulation or extended periods of standing. There are no significant gaps or sudden leaps in the recorded mileage that would suggest odometer irregularities or unusual usage patterns. This level of annual mileage tends to be kinder to mechanical components than very high-mileage use, allowing the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking system to operate under normal wear conditions rather than approaching premature fatigue. The mild-hybrid system should also have been exercised regularly enough to maintain battery health and component function. Given the advisory concerning the rear brake discs, a prospective buyer should inspect the thickness of both rear discs against the manufacturer’s minimum specification and check the corresponding rear brake pads for wear, as pitted or scored discs are typically accompanied by pad glazing or thinning. On a test drive, listen for any rear brake judder or pulsing under gentle deceleration, which would indicate uneven disc wear or distortion, and observe whether the rear brakes bind or drag after releasing the pedal, which can exacerbate disc corrosion. The handbrake should be tested on an incline to confirm it holds firmly, as rear disc issues can sometimes affect parking brake function. If the discs are approaching their wear limit, budgeting for replacement alongside new pads is advisable, particularly as the next MOT may downgrade the advisory to a failure if deterioration continues. Beyond the recorded advisory, the vehicle’s age and moderate mileage warrant a number of standard checks commonly overlooked but particularly relevant to a five-year-old car. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall perishing or cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and verify that the manufacturing date on each tyre sidewall is no more than around five to six years old. Examine the 12-volt battery for signs of weakness, including slow cranking or voltage drop under load, and consider a load test as battery failure becomes increasingly common beyond the four-year mark. Check the condition of the coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid by date rather than mileage, as these degrade over time and may require renewal even if the car has covered relatively few miles. Finally, inspect the suspension components, including coil springs, bushes, and anti-roll bar links, for any play or deterioration, and examine the exhaust system for corrosion at the mounting points and joints, all of which are typical age-related concerns for a Focus of this vintage.