2012 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · LL62 TZB

The 2012 Ford Focus has passed its most recent MOT on June 5, 2026, at 127,707 miles, though with multiple advisories indicating significant wear and corrosion. The trend over the past five tests is one of consistent, worsening issues rather than improvement, with recurring tyre wear, suspension degradation, and structural corrosion. The near-side and off-side rear tyres have been flagged for damage and perishing in the latest test, while the front tyres have repeatedly approached the legal tread limit across multiple MOTs. Suspension components, particularly the rear coil springs and front ball joint dust covers, show severe deterioration, with the latter failing inspection in 2024. Structural corrosion has also progressed, affecting the rear sub-frame and shock casings, though no serious weakening has been noted. This pattern suggests the vehicle has not undergone regular, thorough maintenance, with critical components left to degrade beyond manufacturer recommendations. The mileage progression of approximately 9,122 miles per year is typical for a vehicle of this age, though the gaps between MOT tests vary significantly. The most recent test occurred just over a month ago, which is acceptable, but the previous test in May 2025 had 18,503 miles since the 2024 test—a relatively high accumulation for a used car. Earlier gaps, such as the 18,445 miles between the 2023 and 2022 tests, also indicate inconsistent service intervals. While the mileage itself isn’t alarmingly high, the lack of intervening maintenance between MOTs raises concerns about how other wear-and-tear items may have been neglected. A prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the tyres, suspension, and structural integrity. The rear tyres exhibit severe cracking and perishing, which could lead to sudden failure, while the front tyres are dangerously close to the legal limit. The rear coil springs show corrosion, and the front ball joint dust covers were severely deteriorated in 2024, suggesting these components may now be compromised. The central rear sub-frame corrosion, though not yet structurally critical, warrants closer examination for potential weakening. Braking performance should be tested, particularly the rear brakes, as binding or uneven wear could indicate underlying issues. Given the history, a full suspension rebuild and tyre replacement would be advisable before committing to the purchase.