2010 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · FD59 CFJ

The latest MOT test outcome for this 2010 Ford Focus was a pass on 24 April 2026, following a failure recorded earlier on the exact same day. While the vehicle successfully obtained a fresh certificate, the overall maintenance trend is clearly worsening compared to previous years. Between 2023 and 2025, the vehicle enjoyed a clean testing record with no recorded defects. However, the recent failure exposed significant structural deterioration and mechanical wear, requiring welding repairs to the nearside sill and attention to the windscreen washer system to secure a pass. With 136,010 miles accumulated over sixteen years, the vehicle has covered an average of approximately 8,500 miles annually. This represents steady, typical road usage for a hatchback of this era, suggesting consistent operation rather than long periods of standing idle. Nevertheless, this mileage and vehicle age place cumulative stress on the running gear, suspension bushes, and drivetrain. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to moisture and road salt over this timeframe has inevitably accelerated underbody oxidation, as evidenced by the structural failures noted in the latest inspection. A prospective buyer must pay immediate attention to the mechanical advisories and recent structural repairs. The offside front suspension arm ball joint exhibits play, which will lead to accelerated tyre shoulder wear, poor steering alignment, and imminent component failure if unaddressed. On a test drive, listen for metallic knocking or popping noises over speed bumps and feel for steering vagueness or wandering. Additionally, the nearside front wheel bearing was highlighted for slight noise during the initial test. On the road, a worn wheel bearing presents as a low-frequency hum or drone that increases in volume with road speed and alters tone when negotiating bends as vehicle weight shifts. Beyond the suspension and wheel bearing, thorough physical verification of the structural welding repairs is essential. Inspect the nearside front sill to ensure the rust repair was executed with continuous structural seam welds rather than temporary patch plates, and verify that appropriate underseal or anti-corrosion protection was applied to prevent quick rust recurrence. Check the offside sill, inner floor pans, rear suspension subframes, and brake lines for deep, flaky surface corrosion. Given the vehicle age and mileage, verify that the engine timing belt and water pump service intervals have been adhered to, check tyres for sidewall perishing or uneven tread wear, and inspect the brake discs for deep pitting or binding calipers.