2016 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · AX16 PBF

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT test on 11 August 2025 with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing an unbroken run of clean passes stretching back through the 2024, 2023 and 2022 tests. The absence of any advisories, monitor notes or recorded defects across four consecutive annual examinations indicates a stable and well-maintained roadworthiness profile, with no flagged wear items on brakes, tyres, suspension, exhaust or emissions. This consistent clean record suggests the vehicle has been looked after mechanically and does not show the escalating advisory pattern that often signals deferred maintenance on a car of this age. With 73,234 miles recorded over approximately ten years, the vehicle averages around 7,300 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for a private-use family hatchback of this vintage. This moderate annual mileage means components such as the clutch, brake pads, discs and tyres have experienced regular working and replacement cycles rather than being left to degrade from prolonged standing or, conversely, being prematurely worn from heavy use. The mileage progression across the four recorded MOTs appears even and consistent, without sudden gaps or rapid accumulations that would suggest an odometer discrepancy or extended periods of inactivity followed by heavy use. Although the MOT history is clean, a ten-year-old Focus with average mileage still warrants a thorough physical inspection beyond what the statutory test covers. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking caused by age-related rubber degradation, even if the tread depth remains legal, and the spare or inflation kit should be checked for serviceability. Brake discs, particularly on a car that may have spent time standing during periods of lower use, can develop surface corrosion or suffer from binding calipers that lead to uneven pad wear or a dragging sensation on test; a careful look at the inner and outer pad edges and a feel for hot wheels after a short drive will reveal any issues. The 12V battery is well beyond its typical four to five year service life and should be load-tested, while the coolant, brake fluid and automatic transmission fluid (or clutch fluid on manuals) are all due for replacement on calendar age regardless of mileage, as hygroscopic brake fluid in particular loses effectiveness over time and can compromise stopping performance. During a test drive, listen for suspension clonks or knocking over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links or strut top mounts common to this model, and pay attention to any pulling, vibration or steering wander that could point to worn wishbone bushes or track rod ends. Verify that the engine starts promptly from cold without excessive smoke and that the cooling fan operates, as a stuck viscous fan or failing radiator can cause running issues that do not appear on an MOT. Finally, confirm that the service book, paper or digital, has been stamped at the correct intervals with matching mileage, and inspect the underbody, including subframe and suspension components, for any surface corrosion typical of UK-driven cars of this age, ensuring no structural advisories are likely to materialise at the next test.