2001 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · MK51 AVC
2001 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 87,938 miles. MOT expired on 31 Jan 2025. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 31 Jan 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 87,938 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
MK51 AVC Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 01/02/2024
- 87,938 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring exhaust & emissions items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MK51 AVC MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Ford Focus (MK51 AVC) between November 2021 and February 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 01 February 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Exhaust & Emissions (6 issues), Bodywork (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Inner Suspension spring mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural str”; “Nearside Rear Inner Suspension spring mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural st”; “Central Exhaust system insecure (6.1.2 (a))”.
MK51 AVC Mileage History
- 16/11/202182,287 mi
- 08/11/202285,011 mi+2,724 mi
- 22/11/202387,788 mi+2,777 mi
- 01/02/202487,938 mi+150 mi
Average of roughly 2,557 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution or avoid this vehicle. While the mileage is reasonable for its age, the history of severe structural corrosion and recent emission failures suggests a high-risk investment nearing its end.
The primary focus for any buyer must be a structural inspection. The MOT history shows documented corrosion in the sills, arches, and suspension mountings over several years. The 2023 failure for 'excessively corroded' structural areas is a major red flag; you must verify if these repairs were professionally welded or merely patched up with grease and paint.
Check the engine performance thoroughly, as the 2023 failure for excessive carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and lambda readings suggests potential issues with the fuel system, oxygen sensors, or engine health. Ask for a full service history, as the MOT record shows multiple recurring advisories for oil leaks and suspension components (ball joints, track rod ends) that were not always addressed until they caused failures.
With a 1.6L petrol engine, this Focus sits in a relatively low insurance group and should offer modest 35-40 MPG if driven sensibly. Tax will be minimal due to the age of the vehicle, but maintenance costs are likely to be high relative to the car's value.
Expect to spend regularly on suspension components (bushings, joints) and exhaust-related repairs. An estimated annual cost to keep this car on the road is between £900-£1,200, accounting for fuel, tax, and a buffer for its frequent repair needs.
Use a screwdriver to carefully probe the inner sills, wheel arches, and the rear suspension spring mountings. The MOT history specifically notes corrosion in these areas; if the metal feels soft or flakes away, the car is structurally unsafe. Also, inspect the offside rear brake pipes, which have been noted as corroded in multiple tests.
Underneath, check the exhaust system for secure mounting and rust, as it failed for being insecure in 2023. Look for active oil leaks around the engine block and gearbox, and inspect the front lower arm ball joints and track rod ends, as these have been recurring weak points in this vehicle's history.
This 2001 Ford Focus has covered approximately 88,000 miles, which is below the average for a 25-year-old car. However, the MOT history reveals a persistent battle with structural rust, culminating in major failures for the sills and spring mountings in 2023. Additionally, recurring emissions issues and suspensionrelated failures indicate a vehicle that has been difficult to maintain and may suffer from long-term neglect.
The first-generation Focus is known for its excellent handling and simple engines, but is notorious for rust issues, particularly in the sills and rear arches.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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