2001 Ford Focus 2.0L Petrol · 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
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
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
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))”.
EX51 AUF Mileage History
- 21/09/2023115,323 mi
- 16/09/2024117,506 mi+2,183 mi
- 20/09/2024117,514 mi+8 mi
- 02/10/2025120,552 mi+3,038 mi
- 08/10/2025120,578 mi+26 mi
Average of roughly 2,566 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
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
Similar Vehicles
Similar Vehicles Checked Recently
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (EX51 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as EX51AUF.
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
NISSAN
MICRA
BMW
3 SERIES
FORD
ECOSPORT ST-LINE DESIGN
BMW
435
MINI
COOPER D
FIAT
PUNTO
HYUNDAI
I30
FORD
RANGER
FORD
TRANSIT
FORD
MONDEO
FORD
FOCUS
Regional DVLA Registration Directory
Vehicles and registration batches issued by regional DVLA offices across the UK.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.