2010 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · LL59 OLE

Chronic rear tyre perishing emerges as the defining mechanical theme across this Ford Focus's MOT history, with advisories for cracking or damage recorded on both rear tyres at the most recent test on 16 October 2025, an offside rear tyre advisory on 17 October 2024, and earlier advisories for perished rear and front tread dating back to the 2022 test. The October 2023 test outcome is particularly relevant here, as the vehicle failed outright on a nearside rear tyre with a cut exposing ply or cords, alongside defective stop lamps on both sides emitting light other than steady red. A near-identical stop lamp failure occurred on the 2021 test, where both lamps were again flagged as emitting other than a steady red light, suggesting a recurring electrical or bulb-related issue rather than a one-off fault. The 2023 test also returned a pass on the same date, indicating the failure items were addressed promptly, and subsequent tests in 2024 and 2025 have returned clean pass results with only tyre-related advisories, showing an improving structural trend but a persistent vulnerability around tyre condition. Against a 16-year vehicle age, the recorded mileage of 50,200 equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 3,138 miles, which is notably low and suggests either extended periods of light use or significant standing time between journeys. From a mechanical standpoint, such low annual mileage tends to concentrate wear on components that suffer from disuse rather than high mileage, with ageing rubber items like tyres, drive belts, and suspension bushes being particularly susceptible to perishing and drying out, even with minimal tread wear. The recurring rear tyre advisories across multiple test cycles despite low mileage align with this pattern, as tyre rubber degrades through oxidation and UV exposure over time regardless of distance covered. There are no large gaps in the testing record, with annual MOTs consistently recorded from 2020 onwards, which indicates the vehicle has remained in regular use and on the road throughout this period rather than being laid up for extended durations. For a prospective buyer, the rear tyres should be the first physical inspection point, checking both the nearside and offside rear walls and tread for cracking, perishing, and any exposed cords, as the advisory history indicates this is a chronic weak point. The stop lamp circuit warrants specific attention, as the same dual-lamp failure has now occurred twice in three years; both clusters should be tested with the ignition on and during light brake application to confirm a steady red output, and the earth points and bulb holders checked for corrosion given the repeated nature of the defect. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to suspension feel, as low-mileage Focus models of this era are known for worn rear trailing arm bushes and front wishbone components, so listen for clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces and feel for any vagueness in the steering on transition. Brake pedal feel should also be evaluated, with any judder, pulling to one side under heavy braking, or a soft pedal warranting closer inspection of the discs and calipers, particularly if the vehicle has been standing for prolonged periods which can encourage corrosion on the friction surfaces and seizure in the caliper mechanisms.