2016 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · EU16 FCF

The most recent DVSA examination on 9 December 2025 returned a Pass, which indicates the vehicle met the statutory roadworthiness requirements at the time of testing. However, the broader MOT trend over the past four years suggests a vehicle whose front suspension and steering components are approaching the end of their service life. The December 2025 test recorded an advisory for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, accompanied by a minor defect noting severe deterioration of the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover. This advisory is a continuation of a pattern first flagged in June 2025, and the dust cover deterioration is particularly telling given that the same anti-roll bar linkage ball joint was deemed excessively worn and resulted in a Major defect failure in May 2023. The recurrence of advisories on the same corner of the vehicle, combined with the earlier failed test for a fractured offside front coil spring in May 2021, points to consistent offside front-end wear that warrants close physical scrutiny before purchase. With a recorded mileage of 55,009 miles over a ten-year lifespan, this Focus has covered an average of roughly 5,500 miles annually, which is substantially below the typical mileage for a vehicle of this age. While low annual mileage reduces wear on internal drivetrain components such as the engine, clutch and gearbox, it brings its own set of mechanical concerns. Long periods of standing can lead to moisture accumulation in the engine oil, brake fluid degradation, brake disc corrosion due to lack of regular use, and potential seizing of caliper slide pins. The relatively flat mileage progression between tests suggests this vehicle may have spent extended periods either stationary or used only for short journeys, neither of which is ideal for maintaining component longevity. Given the recurring offside front suspension advisories and the earlier coil spring failure, any prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering assemblies. Pay particular attention to the condition of the anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, track rod ends, and the remaining coil springs for any signs of cracking or sagging. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly when turning or traversing speed bumps, and feel for vagueness or play in the steering. Uneven or feathered tyre wear, especially on the offside front, would confirm misalignment or worn suspension geometry. Additionally, inspect the brake discs for obvious lipping and surface corrosion, check that the handbrake holds firmly on an incline, and verify the operation of the supplementary restraint system warning lamp on the dashboard, as an earlier fault was recorded in 2021. Beyond the recorded defects, age-related items should not be overlooked. Despite the low mileage, a ten-year-old vehicle will still be subject to calendar-based deterioration of perishable components. Inspect the tyre sidewalls for cracking or perishing, which is common on older tyres regardless of tread depth, and consider replacing all four tyres as a matter of course on a car of this vintage. Check the 12-volt battery for holding charge, particularly if the vehicle has stood for long periods, and request evidence of recent servicing including replacement of the brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, as these fluids degrade with time irrespective of mileage. Confirm the service book stamps and verify that the cambelt or timing chain replacement interval has been observed, and examine the underbody, wheel arches, and suspension subframes for any signs of corrosion, which can be a concern on a decade-old Focus, particularly around the rear axle and suspension mounting points.