2012 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · FP62 DJX

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance history shows a trend of increasing mechanical wear as the car has aged. The most recent test in August 2025 at 134,490 miles identified several developing issues, including oil misting on the front shock absorbers and fluctuating brake surfaces. While the car passed, the presence of these advisories suggests that components are now entering a phase where they will soon require proactive replacement to maintain safety and performance standards. At 134,490 miles, the Ford Focus has averaged approximately 9,600 miles per year over its 14-year life, which is consistent with typical domestic usage. The record shows a steady annual testing pattern since 2015, indicating a consistent inspection schedule. However, the interval between 2022 and 2025 saw an accumulation of nearly 30,000 miles, which coincided with multiple failures related to suspension and tyres, suggesting that the owner may have deferred repairs until an MOT failure occurred rather than performing preventative maintenance. A buyer should focus their in-person inspection on the suspension and braking systems. The offside front shock absorber was flagged in both 2024 and 2025, indicating a seal failure that is progressing. The history also shows previous failures of trailing arm bushes in 2022, so the buyer must check for further rubber perish or play in the rear suspension. Additionally, the fluctuating front and rear service brakes noted in 2025 suggest the brake discs are either warped or thin, which may lead to pedal pulsation and reduced stopping efficiency. The record also reveals a recurring pattern of poor tyre management, with failures for low tread depth in 2019 and 2022, and physical damage in 2023. The buyer should verify that current tyres are of adequate age and tread depth, and ensure that the discoloured indicators mentioned in the 2025 test have been addressed. Given the age and mileage, a thorough check of the underbody for corrosion is also essential, although no structural integrity issues were explicitly recorded in the provided history.