2016 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · LR16 WWY

This 2016 Ford Focus has passed its most recent MOT on June 3, 2026, at 138,161 miles, but the record reveals a concerning pattern of deferred maintenance. The latest test identified all four tyres worn dangerously close to the legal limit, with uneven edge wear suggesting prolonged underinflation or misalignment. The offside rear brake was also flagged as binding, though not excessively—an issue that likely requires attention before it escalates into a safety hazard. While the 2025 and 2023 tests showed no defects, the 2024 and 2022 tests revealed repeated tyre wear and, in 2022, worn rear suspension bushes. This indicates a trend of neglect rather than improvement, with critical components like tyres and suspension being overlooked between services. The vehicle’s mileage of 138,161 miles over ten years averages roughly 13,800 miles annually, which is unusually high for a car of this age. The gap between the 2023 (118,186 miles) and 2025 (131,909 miles) tests suggests a period of rapid accumulation—over 13,700 miles in just over two years—raising questions about whether the vehicle was driven aggressively or simply not maintained. The absence of any advisory notes or major failures in the 2025 test is misleading; it implies the owner may have assumed the car was in better condition than it actually was. The 2022 to 2023 interval, however, was more stable, with only 3,900 miles logged in a year, hinting at inconsistent usage patterns. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the tyres, as the recent wear suggests they may already be at or beyond the legal 1.6mm tread depth. The binding offside rear brake warrants closer examination—check for seized calipers, warped discs, or contaminated brake fluid, as persistent binding can damage rotors and compromise stopping performance. The 2022 MOT’s suspension bush wear is particularly concerning; the rear arm pins should be inspected for excessive play or cracking, as degraded bushes compromise handling and could lead to alignment issues or uneven tyre wear. Given the history of deferred tyre replacements and suspension faults, structural components like the subframe, wheel bearings, and exhaust system should also be scrutinised for corrosion or fatigue, especially if the car has been driven in wet or salted conditions. The lack of service history beyond MOTs is a red flag. The vehicle’s age and mileage demand regular attention to fluid changes (brakes, power steering, coolant), timing belt (if applicable), and differential service. The absence of any advisory notes in recent tests does not mean these areas are unaffected—critical components like the timing belt or water pump could fail without warning. Buyers should request full service records or be prepared for unexpected repairs, as the current MOT history suggests the car has not received the level of care required for its age and usage.