2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · CF16 TTY

The most recent MOT on 29 May 2026 was a pass, but it followed a failure the previous day where the rear axle swivel pins and bushes, together with both front suspension arm pins, were recorded as excessively worn – a serious safety issue that would have rendered the vehicle unroadworthy. The subsequent pass indicates that those components were likely replaced or repaired, and the only remaining notes are advisory corrosion on the rear and front sub‑frames, rear suspension arms and a minor tyre surface defect. Over the past six years the record shows a mixture of advisory wear and occasional failures, suggesting a maintenance pattern that has been reactive to emerging problems rather than consistently preventative; the recent remedial work does improve the immediate status but the recurrence of corrosion and suspension wear points to a trend that could deteriorate again if not closely monitored. At 98,939 mi the Focus averages just under 10 000 mi per year, which is typical for a ten‑year‑old family hatchback. The mileage does not indicate any periods of unusually high use that would accelerate wear on major drivetrain components, nor does it suggest long periods of storage that could have allowed moisture‑induced corrosion to progress unchecked. Consequently the wear observed is more likely a function of age‑related fatigue on bushings, pins and sub‑frame panels rather than excessive mileage load. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear axle and front suspension assemblies. On a static inspection feel for any play in the rear wheel hubs and at the lower control arm pivots; excessive movement or a clunk when the wheels are rocked fore and aft is a sign that the swivel pins or bushings may be returning to a worn state. During a test drive listen for knocking or rattling from the rear corners, especially over bumps, and watch for any wandering of the steering that could indicate degraded front arm pins. Verify that the corrosion noted on the sub‑frames and rear suspension arms has been treated – look for rust‑free metal, fresh paint or anti‑rust coating, and ensure there are no deep pits that could compromise structural integrity. The off‑side rear tyre flagged as slightly damaged or perishing should be examined for sidewall cracks, dry rot or tread separation; similarly the near‑side front tyre from 2025 should be checked for ageing, as tyres over ten years old can fail regardless of tread depth. Brake discs on both front wheels were noted as pitted but not seriously weakened; measure disc thickness and inspect for scoring, and confirm that the brake pads have been replaced since the 2021 advisory of thin pads, as reduced pad material can lead to rapid disc wear and reduced stopping performance. Given the vehicle’s age, a comprehensive check of time‑sensitive items is advisable. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation, test its cranking voltage and consider a load test, as batteries over ten years often lose capacity. Examine all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and look for signs of contamination or moisture, bearing in mind that fluids degrade with time even if the car is not driven heavily. The slight corrosion on the exhaust system should be probed for any perforations that could affect emissions or cause excessive noise. Finally, request a full service history and any receipts for the recent suspension work; a well‑documented repair will give confidence that the major safety‑critical components have been correctly addressed and will help gauge the likelihood of further corrosion or wear developing in the near future.