2007 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · GF07 FSN

The most recent MOT test on the 2007 Ford Focus occurred on 2025-11-10, resulting in a clean pass with no defects recorded. While the vehicle’s MOT history shows some recurring advisories and minor failures over the past five years, the trend in recent tests—particularly the two consecutive clean passes in 2020 and 2025—suggests a stable maintenance profile. The failure in 2022, which centred on the parking brake system, was a major issue, but subsequent tests have not repeated this critical failure, indicating either corrective action or a less critical underlying problem. However, the persistent advisories—particularly those related to tyre wear and suspension components—demand closer attention, as they may reflect underlying wear patterns that could escalate without intervention. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 122,429 miles at the time of inspection aligns reasonably well with its age of approximately 19 years, averaging around 6,444 miles annually. This usage rate is typical for a car of this age, though the presence of long periods between MOT tests—such as the gap between 2022 and 2025—could indicate either infrequent use or a history of deferred maintenance. Higher mileage accumulations over shorter periods would accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, suspension components, and tyres, while prolonged idling or standing can exacerbate issues such as corrosion in coil springs, binding calipers, or fluid degradation. The advisories from previous MOTs, particularly those concerning tyre wear and suspension ball joints, suggest that the vehicle has undergone some degree of sustained stress, warranting a thorough inspection of these systems. For the prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect during a physical examination include the suspension and tyre condition. The advisories from 2023 and 2021 regarding front tyre wear close to legal limits—particularly the "worn on edge" pattern—indicate potential alignment or camber issues, which can lead to uneven tyre wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased risk of blowouts. Visually inspect the tyres for signs of dry rot, sidewall cracking, or excessive tread depth, and confirm that the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm is maintained across the central 32% of the tread. Listen for irregular suspension noises, such as clunks or rattles, particularly when driving over bumps, which may signal worn suspension bushes, broken coil springs, or loose anti-roll bar linkages. The rear coil springs were noted as corroded in the 2024 MOT; visually check for rust, swelling, or signs of failure, and ensure they are securely mounted to avoid sagging or excessive rebound. Beyond the suspension and tyres, focus on the braking system, given the 2022 failure related to the parking brake efficiency. Inspect the brake discs for corrosion, warping, or binding, which can occur from prolonged standing or moisture exposure. Check for uneven wear or grooves, and listen for grinding noises when applying the brakes, which could indicate worn brake pads or contaminated brake fluid. The 12V battery should be tested for charge retention and terminal corrosion, as older vehicles are more susceptible to battery failure, especially if the car has been left unused for extended periods. Additionally, verify that the service history—particularly for oil changes, fluid top-ups, and timing belt replacement—is up to date, as the Ford Focus’s engine may require a timing belt replacement around 100,000–120,000 miles, depending on the specific model variant. Finally, conduct a visual inspection of the exhaust system for leaks, corrosion, or structural integrity, and perform a quick emissions test to ensure compliance with current regulations, as exhaust emissions can degrade over time, particularly in older vehicles. If the vehicle has been driven regularly, the fluid levels—particularly brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid—should be checked for contamination or degradation, as these fluids can absorb moisture or break down over time.