2010 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · BT59 LWN

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a pass on 25 March 2026 at 133,163 miles, but the maintenance trend has shifted from stable to worsening. While the car enjoyed several clean passes between 2023 and 2025, the most recent testing cycle reveals a significant decline in mechanical condition. The failure on 16 March 2026 highlighted a wide array of defects including a major exhaust leak, worn suspension arm bushes, and a rough nearside front wheel bearing. Although these were rectified for the subsequent pass nine days later, the remaining advisories indicate a vehicle entering a phase of systemic wear. The mileage pattern is consistent with the age of the car, averaging roughly 8,323 miles per year. There are no erratic gaps in the history, and the accumulation has been steady, rising from 51,899 miles in February 2015 to the current 133,163 miles. This typical usage suggests the vehicle has not suffered from long periods of standing, which often masks different types of deterioration, but it has now reached a mileage threshold where major chassis and steering components are failing. A buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the structural integrity and steering system. The March 2026 test flagged corrosion on both the front and rear sub-frames as well as the rear inner sills. While the tester noted the sub-frames were not yet seriously weakened, this is a progressive condition. The presence of play in the steering rack inner joints and a low power steering fluid level suggests the steering system is degraded and may require an expensive overhaul soon. Attention should also be paid to the suspension and consumables. The record shows a history of neglecting tyres, with failures in 2020 and 2022 and a remaining advisory for a heavily worn inner edge on the offside front tyre in March 2026. This specific wear pattern often indicates incorrect wheel alignment. The corrosion noted on both rear coil springs and the recurring oil leak further suggest that preventative maintenance has been overlooked in favour of reactive repairs.