2012 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · LC03 SMC
2012 Ford Focus (1.6L, diesel). First registered 01 Jul 2012. Recorded mileage 49,284 miles. MOT valid until 18 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Stanmore (North London)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 18 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 49,284 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- DIESEL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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LC03 SMC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/07/2026
- 49,284 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
LC03 SMC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Ford Focus (LC03 SMC) between July 2022 and July 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 12 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (6 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
LC03 SMC Mileage History
- 19/07/202242,389 mi
- 18/07/202344,263 mi+1,874 mi
- 08/07/202445,636 mi+1,373 mi
- 14/07/202547,589 mi+1,953 mi
- 13/07/202649,284 mi+1,695 mi
Average of roughly 1,731 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Excellent
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
A low-mileage example of the 1.6 diesel
Prioritise reviewing the service history to ensure the engine has been serviced regularly despite the low mileage, as diesel engines can be susceptible to issues if used only for short trips. Negotiate the purchase price to account for the immediate need for new rear tyres, as these have been flagged as perishing for three consecutive years.
Given the corrosion noted in the most recent MOTs, ask the seller if any underbody protection or rust-proofing has been applied. Ensure you verify that the headlight switch, which was flagged as loose in 2024, has been properly secured.
The 1.6 diesel engine is designed for efficiency, though annual costs will be influenced by the specific tax band for this 2012 emission standard. Insurance groups for the Focus are generally moderate, making it an accessible choice for many drivers.
Maintenance costs are likely to rise in the short term to address the suspension bush wear and the corrosion issues flagged in the July 2026 MOT. Budget for upcoming tyre replacements and potential remedial work on the sub-frames.
Perform a thorough inspection of the underbody, specifically focusing on the front and rear sub-frames and the rear anti-roll bar, as these were all flagged for corrosion in the 2025 and 2026 MOT tests. Check the rear tyres for visible cracking or perishing, as this has been a persistent advisory since July 2024.
Additionally, check the nearside front lower suspension arm for movement, as the July 2026 test noted a worn pin or bush. Ensure the vehicle's diesel engine starts cleanly and that there are no signs of excessive soot or leaks, which can sometimes occur in very low-mileage diesel vehicles.
This grey 2012 Ford Focus has covered just 49,284 miles, which is significantly below the model average. While it has passed its last five MOTs, the 2025 and 2026 tests highlight emerging corrosion on the front and rear sub-frames and suspension components. The repeated advisories for perishing rear tyres since 2024 suggest a vehicle that has spent significant periods stationary.
The Ford Focus has an average MOT pass rate of 79.1% across 1,093,952 analysed vehicles, with common failures typically involving tyres, headlamps, and corrosion.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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