2015 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · LB15 URC

A persistent and escalating pattern of tyre-related wear dominates the MOT history of this 2015 Ford Focus and stands as the principal mechanical concern for any prospective buyer. The 2020 test recorded advisory notes on three tyres worn close to the legal limit and on their edges, followed by a clean pass in 2021, then advisories in 2022 for cracking and perishing on both rear tyres, a clear advisory in 2024 for heavy cracking on the inner and outer edges of both front tyres, and most recently a major failure in August 2026 for a malfunctioning Tyre Pressure Monitoring System with the dashboard warning light active and reporting sensors not detected. The front tyres in particular have been flagged twice for edge wear, which is a strong indicator of geometry issues such as incorrect tracking, worn suspension bushes, or failing wishbone components, all of which are known weaknesses on this generation of Focus. The combination of recurring tyre degradation and an inoperative TPMS suggests the underlying cause of the wear has not been fully resolved. The recorded mileage of 74,897 miles over an 11-year period equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 6,800 miles, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a vehicle of this age and type. There are no significant gaps in the testing history and no evidence of extended periods off the road, meaning the recorded wear, advisories, and defects are likely to be representative of the vehicle's true mechanical condition. A consistent annual mileage also reduces the likelihood of issues associated with prolonged standing, such as seized brake calipers, deteriorated brake fluid, or flat-spotted tyres. Given the recurring edge wear on the front tyres, a test drive should be used to evaluate the suspension and steering geometry carefully. Any pulling to one side under braking or steady acceleration, a steering wheel that sits off-centre, or uneven tyre wear when the existing tyres are inspected would warrant immediate investigation. Listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, which would point to worn anti-roll bar drop links, wishbone bushes, or top mount bearings, all common failure items on the Focus of this era. Inspect the front brake discs for lipping and the caliper slides for binding, as the 2020 advisory on edge-worn front tyres can also accompany sticking calipers causing uneven pad transfer. The TPMS failure recorded on 16 days prior to the most recent pass is a system-level concern that requires a diagnostic check to determine whether the issue lies with one or more wheel sensors, the receiver module, or wiring corrosion within the wheel arches. The minor defect for the offside side repeater lens has appeared on every test since 2022, indicating either that the component has simply never been replaced or that a replacement part of poor quality has been fitted; the lens should be replaced with a correct unit before sale to restore full lighting compliance. Finally, the brake fluid should be checked and tested for moisture content, as the vehicle is over four years beyond the typical two-year replacement interval and the system has had no recorded brake-related work in the MOT history, making a fluid change a sensible precaution before the car is returned to regular use.