2011 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · CP11 NAA

A pattern of structural and suspension advisories has emerged on this Ford Focus over the past three MOT cycles, pointing to ongoing corrosion and wear on key chassis components that warrant close attention from any prospective buyer. The 2026 test on 22 June recorded a pass, but flagged a corroded rear sub-frame, slight play in the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, and front tyres worn close to the legal limit on both edges. The 2025 and 2024 tests carried near-identical rear sub-frame advisories, alongside additional rear anti-roll bar corrosion and deteriorating coil spring mountings, suggesting the corrosion is progressive rather than arrested. While the rear sub-frame was consistently judged not seriously weakened, the repeat appearance year on year means it should be physically inspected and not simply accepted as a minor item. A clean pass was last recorded in 2023 with no defects noted, and 2022 was similarly clean, indicating the corrosion picture has developed noticeably in the latter half of the recorded history. At 82,610 miles across roughly fifteen years, this Focus has accumulated around 5,500 miles annually, which is low for a car of this age and suggests either periods of light use or extended standing. Such modest annual mileage means wear on major drivetrain components is unlikely to be high, but it also places greater emphasis on condition-related deterioration such as corrosion of structural and suspension parts, deterioration of rubber and plastic boots, and the effects of standing on seals and joints. The oil leak flagged in 2025 as not excessive is consistent with the kind of seepage that develops from aged gaskets and seals on a low-mileage, older vehicle. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing cadence, and mileage progression between tests appears steady, which allows the recurring advisories to be read as a genuine trend rather than a sudden deterioration. For a buyer considering this vehicle, the rear sub-frame corrosion is the single most important area to examine in person. With three consecutive advisories now on file, it is essential to jack the car and inspect the sub-frame mounting points, suspension pick-up locations, and any boxed sections for perforation rather than just surface rust. Particular attention should be paid to the rear coil spring mounting areas, which were noted as corroded in 2024, and to the rear anti-roll bar and its linkages, where the 2026 test recorded play in the nearside ball joint. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over bumps, particularly over uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or shudder through the steering that could indicate worn anti-roll bar components. A bouncy or unsettled ride quality from the rear may suggest the coil spring mountings have deteriorated further since the last advisory. The front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and on both edges at the most recent test is also worth investigating, as edge wear on a Focus can point to alignment issues, worn suspension bushes, or weak strut top mounts rather than simply tyre age. Given the 2024 minor defect for a severely deteriorated upper anti-roll bar ball joint dust cover, the front suspension bushes and drop links should be checked for perished or split boots and any play when the wheels are rocked by hand. The 2025 oil leak should be examined underneath for fresh seepage around the engine and gearbox joiners, and the level and condition of the oil itself verified. Finally, ask the seller for any records of recent work addressing the sub-frame or suspension components, and budget for replacement of tyres and likely front brake components given the cumulative advisory history on this chassis.