2017 Ford Focus 2.0L Petrol · CL58 CAM

The most recent DVSA examination on 15 May 2026 resulted in a PASS, with only an advisory recorded for both rear brake discs being worn, pitted, or scored but not seriously weakened. Looking back across the recorded MOT history, the maintenance trend is broadly stable but with a few areas of recurring concern rather than one of clear improvement. The vehicle passed cleanly in January 2023, then progressed through a series of advisories in 2024 and 2025 relating to the rear brake discs, an offside rear anti-roll bar linkage, and slight play in the nearside rear wheel bearing. A failure on 8 May 2025 was driven primarily by headlamp aim being too low, followed on 20 April 2026 by a more substantive failure involving a split nearside front outer CV boot, a rough nearside rear wheel bearing, and again incorrect headlamp beam image. The fact that the car passed the May 2026 test shortly afterwards suggests the major defects were rectified, but the recurrence of the rear brake disc advisories and the wheel bearing issue over consecutive tests indicates ongoing wear that warrants attention. The recorded mileage of 68,421 miles on a nine-year-old vehicle equates to an annual average of roughly 7,600 miles, which is broadly typical for a Ford Focus of this age and slightly above the national average. The MOT history shows tests clustered at one- or two-year intervals and mileage increments consistent with steady, everyday use rather than extended periods of standing or unusually high accumulation. There is no obvious evidence of a mileage gap or clock irregularity, which is reassuring. That said, the recurring advisories on the rear brake discs and rear wheel bearing are consistent with a car that has seen regular road use, as both items degrade progressively with mileage, particularly on models where rear disc and bearing assemblies carry combined braking and load duties. Because the rear brake disc advisory has now appeared on four separate examinations since 2024 and specifically noted both rear discs pitted or scored on the latest pass, a prospective buyer should plan for rear brake disc replacement in the near future, and likely pads at the same time. Pitting of this nature is caused by corrosion and pad wear on the disc surface, and symptoms to listen or feel for on a test drive include brake shudder or vibration through the pedal under firm application, pulsing under hard stopping, and a slightly granular or grinding sensation from the rear. The nearside rear wheel bearing has been flagged with slight play at the 2025 and early 2026 tests and recorded as rough on the failed test in April 2026, so on a road test listen for a humming or droning noise that changes with vehicle speed, and try to detect any looseness by rocking the wheel with the car jacked. Also carry out a slow-speed turning test in a quiet area for any clicking from the front suspension, as the April 2026 failure recorded a split nearside front outer CV boot which would have been replaced; inspect the replacement gaiter for fresh grease and tidy fitment, and check the offside front headlamp for correct beam pattern and aim, as headlamp aim issues have now appeared twice. Beyond the documented items, a nine-year-old Focus at typical mileage still benefits from a structured physical inspection. Check all four tyres for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking regardless of tread depth, as rubber degrades with time as well as use, and confirm manufacturing date codes on the sidewalls. Inspect the offside rear anti-roll bar linkage bush, flagged in 2024, for splitting or play by hand once the wheel is removed or by listening for clonks over speed bumps. Given the age, verify that the 12V battery is holding charge and is recent, that the coolant and brake fluid have been changed on a calendar basis rather than purely mileage, and that the timing belt or chain service interval has been observed according to Ford's schedule. Finally, examine the underbody and suspension components for any surface corrosion, examine the exhaust for blowing joints or rust perforation, and confirm that the service book contains stamps matching the mileage progression seen on the MOT records.