2021 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · CF70 DXR

The most recent MOT, conducted on 18 October 2025, was passed but returned several advisories concerning the brake hydraulic reservoir being close to the minimum level, front and rear brake pads approaching the wear limit, and minor cuts on the off‑side front and near‑side rear tyres. Earlier in the series, the 21 November 2023 test flagged the off‑side front tyre as worn close to the legal limit and noted corrosion on the rear brake discs. The intervening 8 November 2024 MOT recorded no defects. Overall the trend shows a vehicle that has remained mechanically sound enough to pass, yet the wear on the braking system and tyres is progressing and now requires attention to avoid future failures. At five years old the Focus has logged 47,176 miles, averaging roughly 9,400 miles per year. This is close to the UK average annual mileage and suggests a balanced usage pattern rather than extreme high‑stress operation. There are no obvious gaps in the recorded mileage that would indicate prolonged periods of storage, which can sometimes conceal age‑related deterioration. The mileage level is sufficient to have induced normal wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs and tyre tread, which aligns with the advisories seen in the MOT history. A prospective buyer should give the braking system the highest priority. Inspect the brake fluid level and condition; a reservoir near the minimum mark often signals fluid loss through minor leaks or simply ageing fluid that should be flushed and topped up. Examine the front and rear pads for remaining thickness – if they are within a few millimetres of the minimum specification, replacement will be imminent, and the driver may already notice reduced braking feel, pedal pulsation or a faint squeal under heavy braking. The rear discs, noted as corroded in 2023, should be checked for surface pitting; excessive rust can cause uneven pad contact, leading to vibration or shudder when applying the brakes. Any signs of uneven wear, such as scoring or glazing, would warrant disc resurfacing or replacement. In addition to the brakes, the tyre cuts and edge wear highlighted in the latest MOT merit a thorough visual and tactile inspection. Look for any progression of the cuts toward the ply, especially on the off‑side front and near‑side rear tyres, and verify that tread depth exceeds the legal 1.6 mm across the entire tread width. While the vehicle’s mileage is not excessive, age‑related tyre perishing can occur even on low‑kilometre tyres, so check the sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or hardening. Verify the condition of the 12 V battery, as five‑year‑old units can suffer reduced cranking power, and inspect the suspension bushes, coil springs and mounts for any signs of corrosion or looseness that could manifest as clunking over bumps. Finally, confirm that routine fluid services – engine oil, coolant and gearbox oil – have been performed at the recommended intervals, as time‑based degradation can affect performance even when mileage is moderate.