2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · FN66 YMF

A recurring theme of front suspension wear underpins the roadworthiness profile of this 2016 Ford Focus. Across four consecutive tests from 2020 onwards, advisories have been logged against front suspension arm pins and bushes, with both nearside and offside bottom arm rear bushes flagged at various points. The most recent pass on 8 July 2026 carried an advisory for front suspension arm pin or bush wear on both sides, suggesting the deterioration has progressed from a single-side concern to a bilateral one, even though movement remained within acceptable limits at the time of test. The test history also shows one Major defect, a non-functioning nearside front side repeater, which caused a failure on 4 July 2025 before being rectified at the same date on a subsequent pass. Otherwise, the vehicle has passed every test since 2021 without major or dangerous defects, indicating no structural or braking failures to date, though the suspension pattern is the principal mechanical signal worth monitoring. Annual mileage accumulation of roughly 8,000 miles over the ten-year life of the vehicle is broadly typical for a car of this age, and the MOT record shows no unusual gaps that would suggest extended periods off the road. The test intervals are annual and consistent from 2020 onwards, with no recorded breaks in testing history that might point to a SORN period or long lay-up. Brake wear advisories first surfaced in 2024, with front pads noted as wearing thin and front discs recorded as pitted or scored, which is consistent with a vehicle of this age and mileage rather than indicating any abnormal use. Subsequent tests have not flagged further brake concerns, but the items recorded in 2024 remain worth verifying, as brake pads and discs on a Focus of this mileage commonly require further attention as wear progresses. An oil leak advisory also appeared on the 2026 test, described as not excessive, alongside light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, both of which warrant visual inspection rather than immediate rectification. On a physical inspection, particular attention should be directed to the front suspension geometry. The repeated advisories against the bottom arm rear bushes indicate that the rubber bushings have begun to perish or deform, and on a test drive this typically manifests as a reluctance to self-centre after cornering, vague or wandering steering on the motorway, or clonking noises transmitted through the front end when traversing speed humps and potholes. Jacking the front of the vehicle and manually checking for vertical and fore-aft play in the lower arms will confirm whether the bushes have deteriorated beyond the advisory threshold. The offside rear shock absorber oil misting should be inspected by looking for a damp residue around the upper seal area and comparing damping behaviour against the nearside by pressing down sharply on each rear corner; a discernible difference suggests the unit is losing hydraulic fluid and will require replacement sooner rather than later. The nearside rear tyre had a nail in 2025 and cracking on both rear tyres has been flagged, so a close examination of sidewall integrity and any repair patches is sensible before purchase. Brake feel should be evaluated carefully on the road, particularly pedal response and any vibration under firm application, as the 2024 advisory recorded pitting and scoring on the front discs which can develop into brake judder as wear progresses. A prolonged high-speed stop from around 50 mph will reveal any pedal pulsation indicative of disc lateral run-out. The oil leak, while noted as not excessive, should be checked by inspecting the engine underside and around the sump, cam cover, and turbo oil feed lines for fresh seepage, and the coolant level and condition should be assessed to rule out any cross-contamination. Tyres on the offside front were noted as worn close to the legal limit on the 2026 test, so remaining tread depth across all four corners needs measuring; uneven shoulder wear, particularly on the inner edge as previously flagged on the nearside front, would suggest a wheel alignment or suspension geometry issue stemming from the worn bushes. Finally, confirming that the side repeater lamp functions correctly and that the rear registration plate remains legible will address the two most recent trivial defects that have appeared in the record.