2017 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · MJ67 VMY

A largely clean roadworthiness profile supports this 2017 Ford Focus, with five consecutive MOT passes recorded from 2020 through the most recent test on 7 November 2025, which itself returned no advisories or failures. Across the six documented tests there has been just a single pass with recorded advisories (October 2024), and no failures of any category. That said, the 2024 test did surface two advisories that warrant close attention during a pre-purchase inspection, as both are symptomatic of items that typically deteriorate progressively rather than resolve themselves between tests. The fact that the immediately following 2025 test recorded no defects does not constitute confirmation that these components were rectified; advisories are not retested at the subsequent examination, so the items may simply no longer have met the threshold for an advisory entry or may persist unrectified. Annual mileage works out at approximately 8,249 miles over the vehicle's nine-year life, which sits comfortably within the typical band for a Focus of this age and indicates average rather than exceptional use. There are no significant gaps in the annual testing record to suggest extended periods off the road, and the consistent year-on-year testing suggests the vehicle has remained in regular service. Mechanically, this level of usage tends to keep lubricants circulating, prevent the corrosion issues that afflict low-mileage or stored examples, and means the wear on consumables such as brake pads, discs, tyres and clutch material will be proportionate to the mileage recorded rather than unusually advanced or retarded. Of the two advisories, the offside front suspension arm rear bush wear flagged in October 2024 is the more significant item to investigate. Ford Focus models of this generation are known for premature wear in the front lower arm rear bushes, and a worn bush at this mileage is not unusual but should be checked by physically rocking the arm under load rather than relying on a pass at the most recent MOT, as the assessment on the day may not have been conclusive. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, speed humps and mid-corner bumps, and feel for imprecise steering with any vagueness around the straight-ahead position or a tendency to tramline. The front tyres should also be inspected closely for uneven inner-edge wear, as the advisory noted low tread on the inner edge of the offside front tyre in 2024, which can be either a consequence of, or a contributing factor to, the suspension geometry disturbance caused by the worn bush. Beyond the recorded advisories, a prospective buyer should carry out the usual Focus-specific checks applicable to any used example of this age. Listen for any rattle from the exhaust on start-up suggesting a deteriorated mounting or split flexi joint, particularly on the 1.0 EcoBoost and 1.5 TDCi variants which were commonly sold. Check the water pump and thermostat housing for any signs of coolant staining, as the 1.0 EcoBoost in particular has a known history of plastic cooling component failure. On test drive, confirm that the clutch takes up cleanly without slipping on inclines, that the engine cooling fan operates correctly, and that there is no hesitation or misfire from a cold start, which on the EcoBoost units can indicate carbon build-up on the intake valves. Finally, inspect the underside for any oil seepage from the sump, cam cover or turbo oil lines, and ensure the rear brake drums or calipers release cleanly without binding, as Focus rear drum brakes can seize if the vehicle has seen periods of light use.