2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · FN66 YOC

A pattern of recurring tyre, brake and suspension advisories across six recorded MOT tests defines the mechanical history of this 2016 Ford Focus, with the most recent outcome on 15 May 2024 showing a pass alongside a notable catalogue of advisories issued on the same date, including a failed test outcome also logged that day. The rear suspension has emerged as a particular area of concern, with the nearside rear trailing arm bush flagged as worn on the latest test, and the front end has shown repeated brake and tyre wear issues since at least 2021. Both front road wheels were noted as slightly distorted on the 2024 examination, and the nearside rear exhaust heat shield was recorded as insecure, indicating a chassis area that warrants close physical inspection rather than assumption. The 2024 fail entry itself requires clarification from the seller, as it shares identical advisories and date with the pass, suggesting a minor item was rectified between two tests on the same day; nonetheless, the cumulative list of flagged components paints a picture of a vehicle entering its mid-life wear phase where consumables and rubber items are being replaced on a rolling basis. At 103,166 miles over roughly ten years, this Focus has averaged around 10,317 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of its age. Mileage progression appears steady rather than erratic, with no recorded gaps in testing history between 2019 and 2024 that would suggest extended periods off the road. The continuous annual MOT attendance implies regular use, which is consistent with the wear pattern seen across braking, tyres and suspension components; higher-mileage vehicles of this generation commonly show accelerated degradation of bushes, anti-roll bar links and trailing arm components as the rubber hardens and perishes. The lack of any recorded engine, drivetrain or structural advisories across the six-year MOT window is consistent with normal accumulation, though the absence of such records does not preclude internal wear that falls outside MOT scope, particularly around the clutch, gearbox synchronisation and turbocharger function on diesel variants. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension is the principal area to scrutinise, specifically the nearside trailing arm bush flagged in 2024, as well as the corresponding offside bush and the front anti-roll bar drop links and wishbone bushes which commonly fail on this generation Focus. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly when traversing speed humps or potholes at low speed, and feel for any vagueness or delay in rear suspension response. The front brake discs noted as worn and pitted in 2021 should be checked for judder under firm braking and any pulsing through the steering wheel, which would indicate disc warping rather than simple surface corrosion. Inspect both front wheels closely for run-out or visible distortion, and verify the nearside rear exhaust heat shield is properly secured, as loose heat shields can produce irritating rattling at idle and low-speed cruising. Tyre condition remains a recurring theme in the record, with multiple advisories for cuts, nails and edge wear between 2020 and 2024. Examine all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which on a Focus often points to worn suspension geometry or alignment drift, and check the nearside rear specifically for any plug repairs which may indicate slow leaks. Under-bonnet inspection should confirm no oil misting around the cam cover or rocker gasket, and on the road, pay attention to any hesitation, misfire or excessive vibration through the clutch pedal which would warrant further investigation beyond the MOT record. Finally, given that the 2024 test logged both a pass and a fail on the same date, request documentation confirming the nature of the failure and the rectification carried out, as this will clarify whether the vehicle left the test station in a fully roadworthy condition on the day of issue.