2001 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · 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
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2001
- Engine
- 1596cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
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.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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EX51 AWG Mileage History
- 22/09/2021127,311 mi
- 24/09/2021127,326 mi+15 mi
- 16/09/2022134,064 mi+6,738 mi
- 28/09/2023136,262 mi+2,198 mi
- 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
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”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
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
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