2015 Ford Ecosport 1.5L Diesel · GD64 KDX

The 2015 Ford Focus EcoSport’s most recent MOT test on 2026-05-01 resulted in a passing grade, though it carried two advisories that warrant careful attention. The overall maintenance trend over the past four years is mixed, with two failed MOTs in 2022—both due to excessive wear in the rear suspension arms’ bushings, indicating a critical failure point that required rectification. Subsequent tests have shown no further major suspension issues, suggesting that the vehicle has either been serviced appropriately or that the wear was isolated to specific components. However, the recurring advisory regarding corrosion in the rear axle suggests ongoing or latent wear risks, particularly in the suspension system, which should be monitored closely. The presence of a defective parking brake lever in 2025-05-09 and thin brake pads in 2022-01-01 also highlights areas where the vehicle may have experienced prolonged stress or inadequate maintenance, prompting the buyer to prioritise brake system checks. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 112,396 miles over approximately 11 years represents a reasonable annual usage rate of around 10,218 miles per annum, which is typical for a car of this age and model. This level of mileage does not necessarily indicate excessive wear, but it does imply that the vehicle has been driven regularly, which can accelerate the degradation of consumables such as brake pads, suspension components, and tyres. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests that the car has not been left in a stationary state for prolonged periods, which could otherwise lead to issues like standing corrosion in the exhaust system or brake disc binding from moisture ingress. However, the wear recorded in the suspension arms and axle components at 112,396 miles suggests that the vehicle has experienced some high-stress driving conditions, potentially involving rough roads or aggressive handling, which may have contributed to the observed wear progression. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the rear suspension system, brakes, and exhaust components. The major failure in 2022 regarding the rear suspension arm bushings indicates that the vehicle likely had worn or failing suspension bushes, which can lead to excessive clunking or rattling noises during cornering or over bumps. On a test drive, listen for uneven suspension clunks, particularly on the rear, and check for excessive play or binding in the wheel alignment. The corroded rear axle advisory suggests that rust in the suspension or axle housing may have begun, which can compromise structural integrity if left unaddressed. Inspect the rear axle for any signs of rust progression, particularly around the mounting points, and ensure there is no excessive vibration or uneven tyre wear, which could indicate suspension misalignment. The brake system should be thoroughly examined, given the previous thin brake pads and worn front discs. Check for uneven brake pad wear, which may indicate binding calipers or hydraulic issues, and inspect the brake discs for corrosion, warping, or excessive thickness loss. A test drive should include braking tests at various speeds to detect any brake shudder, pulsation, or reduced stopping performance, which could signal warped discs or worn brake pads. Additionally, the parking brake should be checked for smooth operation and sufficient reserve, as the 2025-05-09 advisory noted a defective lever that could affect functionality. The exhaust system, particularly the rear section, should be inspected for signs of deterioration, such as cracks or excessive corrosion, which could lead to emissions issues or structural failure. Finally, given the vehicle’s age and mileage, consider checking the tyre sidewall for signs of perishing or cracking, which can compromise tyre integrity and safety. A thorough inspection of the 12V battery, fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid), and service book records for timing of last servicing—particularly of the suspension, brakes, and exhaust—will provide further reassurance of the vehicle’s roadworthiness and longevity.