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Official DVLA Record
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2001 Ford Focus 2.0L Petrol · EX51 AUF

EX51 AUF

2001 Ford Focus (2.0L, petrol). First registered 26 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 120,578 miles. MOT expired on 07 Oct 2026. Taxed until 01 Jun 2027.

Make & Model
FORD FOCUS
Year / Origin
2001 · Chelmsford
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 07 Oct 2026
Road Tax
Taxed (01 Jun 2027)
Recorded Mileage
120,578 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 07 Oct 2026
Tax Status
Taxed
Tax due 01 Jun 2027
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2001
Engine
1988cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The vehicle is currently roadworthy with a stable maintenance trend, having passed its most recent MOT on 8 October 2025 at 120,578 miles. The record shows a consistent pattern of passing tests shortly after initial failures, though the lack of specific defect data for the failures on 2 October 2025 and 16 September 2024 makes it difficult to identify the exact nature of those repairs. The mileage is notably low for a 25 year old vehicle, averaging roughly 4,823 miles per year. Between 21 September 2023 and 8 October 2025, the car covered 5,255 miles. This low annual usage suggests the car has spent significant time stationary, which often introduces specific risks regardless of the clean MOT record. A buyer should prioritise a physical inspection of the chassis and suspension components. Vehicles of this era and low usage often suffer from structural corrosion and perished rubber suspension bushes. Check for seized brake calipers or pitted brake discs, as low-mileage cars frequently experience braking system degradation due to inactivity. Verify the condition of the tyres and all fluid levels. While the MOT history shows no recorded defects, the low mileage pattern implies the car may have missed interval-based service requirements. Ensure the engine oil and coolant show no signs of contamination or degradation from long periods of standing.
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EX51 AUF Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 08/10/2025
  • 120,578 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • No defects recorded at the latest MOT
  • Recurring brakes items (2 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

EX51 AUF MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 10 Oct 2026, 02:00
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Ford Focus (EX51 AUF) between September 2023 and October 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 08 October 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Rear Parking brake inoperative on one side (1.4.1 (a))”; “Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))”; “Nearside Front Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

EX51 AUF Mileage History

  1. 21/09/2023115,323 mi
  2. 16/09/2024117,506 mi+2,183 mi
  3. 20/09/2024117,514 mi+8 mi
  4. 02/10/2025120,552 mi+3,038 mi
  5. 08/10/2025120,578 mi+26 mi

Average of roughly 2,566 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

May be subject to ULEZ charges

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
50
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
Older vehicle
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

Import Register

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EXPORTED MARKER

Export Register

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

Statutory CoD

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
58/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500
Mileage
The mileage of 120,578 miles is above av...

Our Verdict

Proceed with caution unless you are a budget-conscious buyer prepared to address immediate mechanical maintenance. While the car has aged consistently, the recent MOT history reveals recurring issues with the suspension and braking systems.

When inspecting this Focus, pay close attention to the suspension components. Given the history of worn anti-roll bar linkages, ball joints, and fractured coil springs, you should listen for any clunking or knocking noises when driving over uneven surfaces. Ask for a full service history; for a car of this age, consistent oil changes are vital for the health of the 2.0L petrol engine.

Check the parking brake specifically. The most recent failure was due to an inoperative nearside rear brake and low efficiency overall. Ensure this has been properly serviced and not just temporarily adjusted. Also, check for the oil leak noted in 2018 to ensure it hasn't worsened into a significant leak that would require an expensive gasket replacement.

The 2000cc petrol engine is relatively thirsty by modern standards, expecting around 30-35 mpg depending on driving conditions. As an older pre-Euro vehicle, it likely falls into a higher tax bracket, though insurance should be relatively affordable given the model's age and value.

Maintenance costs are generally low as parts for the Mk Focus are plentiful and inexpensive, but budget for frequent replacements of consumables and suspension parts. Estimated annual running costs including fuel, tax, and basic maintenance are approximately £1,200-£1,500.

Focus heavily on the front-end geometry. The MOT history shows multiple failures for nearside front coil springs, anti-roll bar linkages, and ball joints. A test drive is essential here to check for play in these areas. Also inspect the rear brake drums for signs of seizing or excessive wear, following the 2025 failure.

Examine the underside for corrosion, which is common for Fords of this era. Look specifically for the source of the oil leak mentioned in the 2018 advisory. Finally, check the tyre tread depth and condition, as the history shows a trend of tyres reaching the legal limit frequently in the past.

This 2001 Ford Focus is a high-mileage example that has seen over 120,000 miles in 25 years. While it passed its most recent test, the history shows a pattern of failures related to the parking brake and front suspension. The vehicle represents a low-cost entry point, but its age and mileage suggest that wear and tear components are becoming frequent failures.

The first-generation Ford Focus is generally considered a robust platform, but suspension components and braking mechanisms are common weak points as they age.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

Tax, registration & powertrain specs

Experian

Finance, stolen markers & total loss

AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns