2015 Ford Focus 2.0L Diesel · AX15 ASU

A recurring pattern of suspension wear and tyre degradation defines the mechanical history of this vehicle, culminating in a failure on 7 October 2025 for a dangerous offside rear tyre and a majorly worn nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint. While the vehicle passed its most recent test on 8 October 2025 following these repairs, the record shows a trend of front-end wear, with both front arm bushes flagged as worn in 2022 and repeated tyre advisories between 2021 and 2023. The recorded mileage of 145,036 miles is high for an eleven-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 13,185 miles per year. This level of sustained usage typically accelerates the wear of chassis components, drivetrain mounts, and braking systems. The consistency of the annual testing suggests the vehicle has remained in active service, but the high accumulation of miles increases the likelihood of fatigue in rubber bushings and suspension linkages. Given the history of worn suspension arm pins, bushes, and ball joints, a test drive should focus on the precision of the steering and the stability of the front end. Listen for knocking or clunking sounds when traversing speed bumps or during low-speed manoeuvring, as these are typical symptoms of failing suspension linkages. Inspect the current tyre tread depths and check for uneven wear patterns across the front axle, which could indicate that the previous suspension issues have impacted the wheel alignment. The MOT record indicates a history of rear brake pad wear and pitted or scored rear discs, with advisories appearing as far back as February 2020 and again in 2022. During the road test, feel for any judder through the brake pedal or a lack of biting force from the rear system. Ensure there is no binding in the rear calipers, which can occur on high-mileage vehicles and lead to premature disc and pad degradation.