2018 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · EF18 FSX

Recurring issues with wheel distortion and tyre sidewall integrity define the mechanical profile of this vehicle, despite a passing result on 11 June 2025. The MOT history shows a fluctuating trend of compliance, moving from a significant failure in June 2023 involving headlamp aim and tyre cuts to a clean pass in 2024, before the most recent test flagged a distorted nearside front road wheel. This pattern suggests that while major functional components like the horn or lighting systems have been addressed, the vehicle has experienced repeated impacts or wear affecting the wheel and tyre assemblies. The recorded mileage of 105,926 miles for an eight-year-old vehicle indicates a high annual usage rate of approximately 13,241 miles. This level of mileage is higher than the UK average for this age bracket, which typically correlates with increased mechanical wear on consumable components such as suspension bushes, brake pads, and exhaust systems. While the consistent annual testing suggests regular use rather than long periods of inactivity, the higher mileage necessitates a closer inspection of the drivetrain and chassis components for fatigue that often accompanies higher-frequency road use. Prospective buyers should pay particular attention to the wheel and tyre condition, specifically focusing on the nearside front area where distortion was noted in the 2025 test. During a test drive, listen for any rhythmic thumping, vibration through the steering wheel, or a noticeable pull to one side at motorway speeds, which could indicate further wheel imbalance or structural damage to the rim. Given the history of multiple tyre advisories involving cuts and sidewall perishing, a physical inspection of all four tyres is essential to ensure no further cuts have reached the cords or that the sidewalls are not showing signs of age-related cracking. Additional scrutiny should be applied to the lighting and steering systems to ensure previous failures have been fully rectified. The 2023 failure regarding incorrect headlamp beam aim suggests that the headlight adjustment mechanisms or mounting brackets should be checked for stability. Furthermore, because the vehicle has covered significant mileage, the suspension and steering linkages should be evaluated for play. Listen for knocks or clunks when navigating uneven surfaces or turning the steering wheel at low speeds, as these symptoms can indicate wear in the suspension bushes or ball joints that may not have been captured in the recent MOT advisories.