2012 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · LS62 PHZ

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift toward developing age-related rubber degradation and suspension wear. The most recent test in September 2025 at 78,287 miles identified new issues with perishing rear tyres and a persistent leak on the offside rear shock absorber. While the car passed, the appearance of these faults suggests that components are now reaching the end of their functional life due to age despite low annual mileage. At 14 years old, the recorded mileage of 78,287 miles averages approximately 5,600 miles per year. This low usage pattern is consistent across the records, with roughly 3,000 to 4,000 miles covered between tests from 2021 to 2025. While low mileage often implies less strain on the drivetrain and engine, it frequently leads to the dry rot of rubber components, as seen in the recent tyre failures where the rubber perished due to time exposure rather than tread depth. A buyer must prioritise inspecting the suspension system, specifically the offside rear shock absorber which has been flagged for oil misting since September 2023 at 71,034 miles and again in 2025. The failure to replace this component over two years indicates a reactive rather than preventative maintenance approach. Additionally, the tyres should be checked for deep cracking across the sidewalls, as the 2025 test confirmed both the nearside and offside rear tyres are suffering from severe age-related damage.