2013 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · FD13 VGJ

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 7 May 2026, though the history indicates a slight decline in maintenance standards. The failure in April 2026 was due to several major lighting faults, including headlamp aim and non-functional lamps, which are basic maintenance items that should have been addressed prior to testing. While the car is currently roadworthy, the transition from clean certificates in 2020 and 2021 to recurring advisories and a recent failure suggests a more reactive approach to maintenance rather than a preventative one. With 99,431 recorded miles over thirteen years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 7,649 miles per annum. This is considered typical usage for a car of this vintage, meaning the drivetrain and chassis have likely avoided the extremes of both high-mileage wear and the degradation associated with prolonged standing. At this mileage threshold, the vehicle is entering a phase where major wear-and-tear components, such as suspension bushings and engine mounts, typically require inspection or replacement to maintain original handling characteristics. A primary concern for the buyer is the recurring advisory regarding play in the steering rack inner joints, which has persisted since at least April 2025. During a test drive, listen for clunking or knocking sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or when traversing uneven road surfaces. This defect indicates wear in the steering linkage that will eventually necessitate a replacement of the inner joints or the steering rack itself to ensure precise control and safety. Additionally, there is a historical pattern of tyres perishing and cracking, which suggests the vehicle may have spent periods stationary or the tyres were kept beyond their recommended lifespan. Beyond the steering, the buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection of all four tyres, checking the sidewalls for fine cracks or hardening of the rubber, regardless of the remaining tread depth. Given the recent lighting failures, a full check of all external bulbs and the intermittent windscreen washer switch is advised. Finally, as the car is over a decade old, verify the service history to ensure that calendar-based maintenance, such as brake fluid flushes and coolant changes, has been performed, and inspect the brake discs for surface corrosion or binding calipers that can occur in vehicles with moderate annual mileage.