2010 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · MA10 XES

A pattern of serious safety‑related failures dominates this 2010 Ford Focus, with the 2020 MOT revealing a fractured rear coil spring, a missing anti‑roll‑bar link, severe rear tyre tread loss and an exhaust emissions excess, while the 2019 test flagged multiple headlamp aim failures, a malfunctioning engine MIL, and excessive wear on a rear sub‑frame bush. Although the latest 2025 MOT shows a pass apart from a low headlamp aim advisory, the historic record indicates that major structural and drivetrain components have previously been out of specification, suggesting a vehicle that has required substantial remedial work rather than one with a clean bill of health. At 150,431 mi the car averages roughly 9,400 mi per year, a usage rate that sits squarely within normal UK expectations for a sixteen‑year‑old model. The MOT chronology shows a two‑year gap between the 2020 and 2022 tests, during which no recorded inspection took place; this interval coincides with the period after the major 2020 failures, implying that any corrective work would have been undertaken before the 2022 pass. The mileage itself does not alone indicate excessive wear, but combined with the earlier component failures it points to a vehicle that has already endured significant load cycles on its suspension, drivetrain and braking systems. Prospective buyers should focus the test drive on the rear suspension and steering feel: listen for clunking or knocking over bumps that could signal a lingering coil‑spring issue or a compromised anti‑roll‑bar linkage, and note any pull to one side or vibration that might betray a worn sub‑frame bush or deteriorated drive‑shaft boots. Examine the front brake response for any pulsation or reduced bite, as the 2020 advisory highlighted thin front pads that may now be near the end of their service life. Check all four tyres for tread depth and uniform wear; given the previous tyre‑tread failures, uneven wear patterns could still be present. A thorough pre‑purchase inspection should verify that the rear coil spring has been replaced with a correct‑spec unit, that the anti‑roll‑bar link is fitted and securely bolted, and that the rear sub‑frame bush shows no excessive play. Inspect the constant‑velocity boots on both front and rear drive shafts for cracks or splits, and confirm that the exhaust heat shield is firmly attached. Finally, ensure the headlamp aim is correctly set and that the engine management light is extinguished, as a lingering MIL could indicate unresolved emissions or electronic faults that may re‑trigger a failure at the next MOT.