2007 Ford Focus 2.5L Petrol · CE57 AAN

The most recent MOT on 29 April 2026 recorded a pass, although the same date also shows a failure for the off‑side front position lamp, nearside front position lamp and nearside side‑repeat indicator, together with an advisory concerning the nearside rear child‑seat obstructing belt inspection. Apart from these lighting faults, the test history shows a steady pattern of advisory items – tyre tread approaching the legal limit, a rear brake disc showing surface pitting, and a slight play in the nearside front suspension arm ball‑joint – but no progressive deterioration or new major failures since 2024. In short, the vehicle’s maintenance trend appears broadly stable, with wear items being noted but not yet reaching a point of mandatory replacement. With 112,990 mi recorded on a 2007 model, the average annual mileage works out to roughly 5,950 mi, well below the typical 10‑12 000 mi per year seen on many UK cars. Such low utilisation often points to periods of limited use or prolonged storage, which can be as significant as high mileage in terms of component ageing. The modest wear on the tyres and the early‑stage brake disc scoring suggest that the vehicle has not been driven hard, yet the low mileage does not preclude age‑related degradation of rubber, seals and corrosion‑prone parts. A prospective buyer should first verify that all exterior lighting functions correctly – replace any faulty position lamps and ensure the side‑repeat indicator operates, as these were the only items that caused a failure. Inspect the tyre tread depth and sidewall condition closely; the repeated advisories about tread close to the legal limit mean the tyres may need replacement soon, and ageing tyres can develop cracks or dry‑rot even with low mileage. Examine the rear brake discs for scoring or excessive rust and listen for any shudder or pulsation when applying the brakes; if the discs are only lightly pitted they may be serviceable, but a full thickness check is advisable. Check the nearside front suspension arm ball‑joint for any play by rocking the wheel at the 12 o’clock position and feel for clunking noises over bumps, as the advisory noted slight play that could develop into a joint failure if not addressed. Given the vehicle’s age, also inspect for time‑related issues: examine tyre sidewalls for cracking or hardening, especially if the car has spent long periods stationary, and assess the 12 V battery’s state of charge and ability to hold charge, as batteries over 10 years can fail unexpectedly. Look for corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches and under the vehicle, and verify that all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – are within specification and free of water contamination, as fluids can degrade even without high mileage. Finally, confirm that the service book shows regular oil changes and any recommended timing‑belt or chain service, as these are critical to long‑term reliability on a vehicle of this vintage.