2018 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · LB67 EYG

Tyre sidewall deterioration is the defining mechanical theme of this Ford Focus, having been flagged on two separate MOT occasions three years apart. Both recorded instances involve the nearside tyres, with the 2023 test noting slight damage to the front nearside outer sidewall and the most recent 2026 test identifying similar perishing on the nearside rear. The intervening tests in 2024 and 2025 returned clean pass results with no defects recorded, indicating the underlying structural and safety-related systems have remained within tolerance. The single recorded failure in 2025 concerned a broken offside rear stop lamp lens, a relatively minor lighting defect that was presumably rectified before the subsequent pass on the same date. The overall trend is therefore one of broadly stable roadworthiness, with the advisories representing the only recurring concern in the documented history. With approximately 67,041 miles accumulated over eight years, the vehicle has averaged around 8,380 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age and likely reflects a mix of commuting and routine use. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record, and the mileage progression between tests appears consistent rather than indicating any long stationary periods or sudden spikes in usage. This steady accumulation rate suggests the consumable components such as brake pads, discs, tyres, and suspension bushes have experienced regular but moderate wear, rather than the accelerated degradation often associated with high-mileage examples or the flat-spotting and seal deterioration that can affect vehicles left idle for extended periods. For a prospective buyer, the prioritised inspection focus should be the nearside tyres, as the repeated advisories suggest this may be a characteristic of the vehicle rather than an isolated event. On a test drive, pay particular attention to any vibration through the steering wheel, which can indicate sidewall integrity issues, and visually inspect the nearside front and rear tyres for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear patterns before purchase. The rear brake disc and caliper assemblies should also be examined for any binding or uneven pad wear, given that the vehicle has covered a moderate mileage where rear brake mechanisms can seize from infrequent use. Additionally, a physical check of all exterior lamps, including the offside rear stop lamp that previously failed, is worthwhile to confirm the lens remains secure and the bulb emits a steady red light under braking. Listen carefully over uneven road surfaces for any knocks or clonks from the front suspension, as Ford Focus models of this era are known for wear in the lower control arm bushes, anti-roll bar links, and front strut mounts, none of which have been flagged in the MOT record but are worth verifying given the mileage. Steering should remain precise without pulling to either side, and the brake pedal should feel firm with no judder under heavy application, which would suggest disc warp. Finally, confirm that the tyre tread depths meet the legal 1.6mm minimum across the central three-quarters of the tread and that all four tyres are of matching type, as the sidewall deterioration noted on the nearside may have prompted uneven replacement patterns on previous occasions.