2007 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · ND07 AAY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 8 February 2023, was passed with no recorded defects, indicating that any previously flagged issues have been remedied or have not progressed to a failure point. Over the past eight years the vehicle has shown a pattern of recurring advisories – notably front brake disc wear, thin front pads, tyre wear on the front and inner edges, a rear anti‑roll‑bar bush, a minor oil seepage and a faulty front position lamp – but the absence of defects in the latest test suggests the maintenance trend is now stabilising rather than deteriorating. At 124,886 miles recorded for a 2007 model the average annual mileage works out at roughly 6,500 mi per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage accumulation that would point to severe wear, nor long gaps that might indicate prolonged storage; the usage appears moderate and consistent, meaning wear on consumables should be in line with age‑related expectations rather than excessive mileage‑driven degradation. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the braking system. The front discs have been noted as pitted and scored on several occasions and the pads were previously described as thin; inspect the discs for deep scoring, rust spots or uneven wear and verify pad thickness, listening for any shudder or pulsation under braking. Examine the front tyres for tread depth, sidewall cracking and any signs of uneven wear that may still be present from the earlier inner‑edge wear pattern, and confirm that the tyre pressures are correct. The rear anti‑roll‑bar bush should be checked for play by applying a firm side‑to‑side force on the rear suspension; any clunk or excessive movement could indicate the bush has progressed beyond the advisory stage. The oil leak noted in 2021 should be traced – look for fresh oil on the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or under the sump – and ensure there is no loss of oil pressure or coolant contamination. Verify that the front semaphore indicator arm is functional and that the front position lamp operates, as a non‑working lamp was the cause of a previous failure. Beyond the specific advisories, a vehicle of this age warrants a thorough general inspection. Assess the condition of the battery, checking voltage and looking for swollen cells, as a 19‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Inspect all fluid levels – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – and consider that calendar‑based degradation may have occurred even if the mileage is modest. Examine the under‑carriage for corrosion, especially around wheel arches, suspension mounting points and exhaust hangers, and ensure that the chassis is free from rust that could compromise structural integrity. Finally, confirm that the service book is up‑to‑date with regular oil changes, timing‑chain or belt service (if applicable), and that any past brake or suspension work has been documented, as this will give confidence that the vehicle has been maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations.