2011 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · MV61 OTD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history indicates a trend of reactive rather than proactive care. In the most recent test conducted in September 2025 at 65,476 miles, the car failed one mile prior due to a structural bulge in the nearside rear tyre and handbrake issues. While the vehicle passed the subsequent re-test, the persistence of an engine oil leak and discoloured indicators across multiple years suggests that minor defects are only addressed when they threaten an MOT pass rather than during routine servicing. At 65,476 miles, this fifteen-year-old Focus has significantly low mileage, averaging approximately 4,300 miles per year. This low usage pattern is consistent across the records, with only 4,532 miles covered between September 2024 and 2025. However, low-mileage vehicles often suffer from age-related degradation of rubber and surface corrosion, which is evidenced by the 2022 failure of a severely deteriorated ball joint dust cover and the recurring brake disc issues noted in later tests. A buyer should specifically inspect the rear braking system and suspension geometry. The record notes pitted and scored offside rear brake discs in 2023 and 2024, alongside uneven inner tyre wear on the nearside rear, which often points to misaligned components or worn suspension bushes. The persistent engine oil leak reported since at least 2024 requires a close visual inspection to determine if it is a minor gasket seep or a more significant seal failure. Additionally, the handbrake mechanism should be tested for effectiveness, as it was flagged for travel issues in the most recent 2025 inspection.