2011 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · EO11 ATX

The most recent MOT in May 2026 at 73,511 miles reveals a worsening mechanical trend for this Ford Focus. While the vehicle passed, the tester flagged multiple structural advisories that were absent in the clean 2021 test. Corrosion has taken hold on the nearside and offside rear suspension arms, though not yet seriously weakened. Both front suspension arm pins and bushes are worn, and the offside front outer CV boot has severely deteriorated. Light oil misting on both front shock absorbers and pitted front brake discs point to aging components and deferred maintenance. The recurring slight play in the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, present since 2022, remains unresolved. The recorded mileage of 73,511 miles equates to roughly 4,901 miles per year, which is exceptionally low for a 2011 vehicle. Between the November 2022 test at 67,126 miles and the May 2026 test at 73,511 miles, the Focus covered just 6,385 miles over three and a half years. Such minimal use implies long periods of standing, which likely contributed to the corrosion on the suspension arms and the deterioration of rubber components like the CV boot and bushes. Low mileage does not negate the degradation caused by age and lack of regular use. A physical inspection must focus on the structural integrity of the corroded rear suspension arms and the severely deteriorated offside front CV boot, which risks ingesting dirt and causing joint failure. Check the front brake discs for scoring and the shock absorbers for the misted oil, indicating seal wear. The recurring inner edge wear on the front tyres, noted in 2022, suggests suspension geometry issues or worn tracking that may persist despite the low mileage. Examine the nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joint for excessive play, as this advisory has persisted across multiple tests without rectification.