2012 Ford Focus 2.0L Petrol · EJ62 RBF

The 2012 Ford Focus carries a current MOT pass from 16 July 2026 at 92,096 miles, recorded just six weeks before today's date. The underlying pattern is, however, not as reassuring as that single pass might suggest. Two failures have occurred within the record, one in July 2024 and a second on 14 July 2026, the latter addressing a major exhaust leak, failed emissions testing, and an inoperative registration plate lamp. The vehicle passed the retest two days later, indicating the work was addressed swiftly, though the cluster of major exhaust defects points to a systemic deterioration rather than an isolated incident. Trend-wise the pattern is worsening, with the most recent test logging the most serious emissions-related majors. Mileage accumulation across the captured tests is modest, with the Focus covering around 92,096 miles over fourteen years, equating to roughly 6,578 miles annually. This is average for the vehicle's age and suggests steady, ordinary use rather than long-term storage or unusually heavy driving. A small anomaly exists between the June 2025 test and the July 2026 entries, where the recorded mileage gap is consistent with typical annual mileage rather than neglect, so there is no evidence of clocking concerns within the data shown. A pre-purchase inspection should prioritise the exhaust system in detail. The July 2024 advisory noted a corroded rear exhaust bracket, and the July 2026 failure cited a major front exhaust gas leak, so the front pipe, flex section, downpipe gasket, and all mounting hardware warrant close scrutiny for fresh welding repairs, blueing around joints, or hanging sections. The rear brake assembly also demands attention: the 2024 test failed on parking brake inefficiency and an inoperative parking brake on one side, while the 2025 test recorded binding and fluctuating service brakes at the front. Any inspection should therefore include a brake roller test, a check of caliper slide pins, handbrake cable condition, and rear drum or caliper mechanism operation, not simply pad and disc thickness. Other items flagged repeatedly include the nearside rear wheel, noted as slightly distorted in both 2026 entries, which can indicate kerbing damage or fatigue cracking and should be inspected for run-out. Tyre wear on both rear inner edges has been recorded, pointing to possible rear suspension geometry drift, so trailing arms, bushes, and beam axle condition merit examination. Oil seepage was logged in 2025 and should be re-checked for quantity and source. Finally, recurring child seat fitments have prevented full adult belt inspection at the rear across multiple tests; verifying seatbelt condition, retraction, and webbing integrity out of the vehicle would be prudent before purchase. Buying score: 44, Risk level: High.