2011 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · EO11 CWZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 3 November 2025 recorded a Pass with no defects, which on the surface represents a satisfactory current roadworthiness position. However, the same date also shows a prior Fail on the same inspection, meaning the vehicle was presented with significant defects that were rectified before the Pass certificate was issued. Looking at the broader pattern across 2024 and 2025, the vehicle has now failed twice in consecutive test cycles, with defects of escalating severity including Dangerous and Major categories. The recurrence of tyre-related failures alongside a steering component defect suggests that routine pre-test preparation may have been inconsistent, and a prospective buyer should treat the clean Pass result with some caution given this pattern of late rectification. The recorded mileage of 105,336 miles over approximately 15 years equates to an annual average of around 7,022 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and consistent with regular but modest usage. This is neither the worryingly low figure associated with prolonged standing and resultant corrosion, nor the high figure that would indicate extreme wear on mechanical components. The mileage progression between tests appears steady and unremarkable, with no evidence of clocking anomalies or rapid accumulation that might point to commercial or motorway-heavy use. From a mechanical perspective, this middle-ground usage profile suggests wear consistent with the vehicle's age rather than exceptional fatigue on consumables. The repeated tyre failures across both the 2024 and 2025 tests are a notable concern and warrant careful physical inspection. On the most recent Fail, an offside rear tyre was found to have a cut exposing the ply or cords, and in 2024 both front tyres were at or below the legal tread depth with cords exposed on the nearside. This recurrence may point to a pattern of tyres being allowed to deteriorate beyond serviceable condition rather than being replaced proactively, or potentially to kerbing damage. A buyer should inspect all four tyres for age-related sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on a 2011 vehicle regardless of tread depth, and check for uneven wear patterns that might indicate alignment or suspension issues. The 2025 Fail also identified excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, a steering component that if left unaddressed would cause vague steering, uneven front tyre wear, and potentially a dangerous loss of directional control. Beyond the recorded defects, this fifteen-year-old Focus with moderate mileage requires attention to age-related items that an MOT test does not fully cover. The brake discs and calipers are likely to show corrosion or seizing from periodic standing, particularly given the lower annual mileage, so a buyer should check for binding calipers by ensuring all wheels rotate freely when cold and listening for scraping or pulling on the test drive. The 12V battery is well beyond its typical service life and should be load-tested, while brake fluid, coolant, and automatic or manual transmission fluid will all be due for replacement on a calendar basis regardless of mileage. A thorough test drive should listen for suspension clonks over speed humps, any hesitation or misfire from the engine, and signs of clutch slip or excess smoke on start-up. Finally, verify a full service history with stamped intervals and inspect the bodywork for the onset of corrosion around wheel arches, sills, and the tailgate, which are common Focus weak points at this age.