Official DVLA Record

2001 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · EX51 AWG

EX51 AWG

2001 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 18/09/2001. Recorded mileage 137,617 miles. MOT status: Expired.

Make & Model
FORD FOCUS
Year / Origin
2001 · Chelmsford
MOT Status
Valid until 26/09/2025
Road Tax
—
Recorded Mileage
137,617 mi
ULEZ Compliance
Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 1.6L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Valid until 26/09/2025
Tax Status
Checking...
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Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2001
Engine
1596cc
Mechanical Assessment

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

The most recent MOT test on this 2001 Ford Focus, conducted on 19 September 2024 at 137,617 miles , confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy with no defects recorded. Over the past five annual tests—all conducted within a tight window of late September—there is no evidence of recurring mechanical failures or advisories. The consistent pass status suggests the vehicle has been maintained at a basic level, though the absence of any recorded issues does not preclude underlying wear beyond MOT scope. The latest test’s clean result aligns with the prior four, indicating no worsening trend in structural or critical systems. The recorded mileage of 137,617 miles over 25 years equates to an average of approximately 5,500 miles annually , which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2021 September tests —just two days apart , with one passing and the other failing—stands out as anomalous, though no defects were logged in either. This suggests either a rare administrative error or a vehicle that was briefly out of service during that period. Beyond that, the mileage progression is steady, with no rapid spikes or prolonged periods of inactivity that might indicate neglect. The consistency in annual mileage also implies the vehicle has not been subjected to heavy use, which could mean reduced wear on high-stress components like suspension bushes or drivetrain elements. Given the lack of recorded MOT defects, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension components , particularly the rear coil springs and bushes , which are prone to fatigue in a vehicle of this age. The front and rear brake systems —including caliper binding, disc warpage, and master cylinder integrity—should be thoroughly checked, as wear beyond MOT thresholds could have gone unnoticed. Corrosion in the subframe, sills, or wheel arches is another critical area, especially given the vehicle’s age; rust penetration could compromise structural integrity. Finally, the exhaust system and emissions control components warrant attention, as minor leaks or catalytic converter degradation might not have triggered MOT failures but could affect performance and fuel efficiency. The absence of advisories in recent tests does not guarantee these areas are flawless.

EX51 AWG Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 19/09/2024
  • 137,617 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 1 historical MOT failure
  • 15 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring suspension items (6 mentions)

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

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MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
55
/ 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
! Tax Status Unknown
✓ Good MOT pass rate (80%)
! Older vehicle
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Full History Report

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Technical Specifications

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EX51 AWG Mileage History

  1. 22/09/2021127,311 mi
  2. 24/09/2021127,326 mi+15 mi
  3. 16/09/2022134,064 mi+6,738 mi
  4. 28/09/2023136,262 mi+2,198 mi
  5. 19/09/2024137,617 mi+1,355 mi

Average of roughly 3,443 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

EX51 AWG MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 30 Jul 2026, 08:25
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 AWG) between September 2021 and September 2024.

The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.

The most recent test on 19 September 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (6 issues), Tyres (5 issues), Bodywork (4 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 30 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Rear Outer Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced sills bot”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

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

Buying Score
25/100
Risk Level
Very High
Very High
Est. Annual Cost
£1,200-£1,500 (including high maintenance requirements)
Mileage
At 137,617 miles, this vehicle has cover...

Our Verdict

Approach this vehicle with extreme caution; it is showing significant signs of long-term structural and mechanical neglect. Given the extensive list of recurring corrosion and suspension advisories, this car is likely only suitable as a project for a mechanic or for parts.

If you are still considering this car, you must inspect the underside on a ramp. The MOT history highlights recurring issues with corrosion on the rear sub-frame, sills, and brake pipes; you need to determine if this is surface rust or deep, structural rot that will fail future inspections. Check the service history thoroughly to see if the steering rack or coil springs—which have been flagged repeatedly—have ever actually been replaced or just patched up.

Negotiation should be aggressive, as you are essentially buying a vehicle that requires immediate investment in tyres, brakes, and suspension work. Do not pay a premium for a car that has such a documented history of 'binding' brakes and perished rubber components. If the seller cannot provide receipts for recent major mechanical work, assume the worst regarding the car's current state.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine is relatively simple to maintain, but at 25 years old, parts availability for specific trim or structural items may become an issue. Fuel economy will be modest by modern standards, and while it sits in a lower insurance group, the cost of frequent repairs to address the recurring MOT advisories will likely make the total cost of ownership very high.

Expect to spend significantly on maintenance in your first year of ownership. Between the corroded brake pipes, binding brakes, and worn tyres, you are looking at a substantial bill just to get the car through its next MOT. Annual running costs, including insurance and basic consumables, could easily exceed £1,200-£1,500 if you factor in the inevitable mechanical failures typical of a high-mileage vehicle of this vintage.

Prioritise a structural inspection. Look specifically at the rear sills and the sub-frame, as these have been flagged for corrosion in multiple tests. Check the brake pipes for deep pitting, as the advisories note they are 'covered in grease or other material,' which is a common tactic to mask corrosion during an inspection.

Test the steering and suspension thoroughly. The 'play in the steering rack' mentioned in the 2024 test is a major red flag for MOT failure. Also, check the condition of all four tyres; the history shows a pattern of inner-edge wear, which suggests the tracking or alignment is consistently out, potentially indicating worn suspension bushes or ball joints that haven't been properly rectified.

This 2001 Ford Focus has covered 137,617 miles and is currently suffering from a 'laundry list' of MOT advisories that suggest the chassis and running gear are in poor condition. The MOT history reveals a persistent battle with corrosion across the sub-frame, sills, and brake pipes, alongside failing suspension components. While it has managed to pass its recent tests, the sheer volume of warnings indicates that significant expenditure is required to bring this car up to a safe, reliable standard.

While the Mk1 Ford Focus is generally regarded as a robust platform, this specific example shows clear signs of age-related degradation and long-term neglect that undermine the model's reputation for reliability.

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