2001 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · ND51 ENR

The 2001 Ford Focus presents a stable and reassuring roadworthiness profile based on the available DVSA MOT records. The most recent test, conducted on 7 August 2023 at 171,704 miles, passed with zero defects recorded. This clean bill of health, following a failed test on the same day at 171,702 miles with no defects noted, suggests the vehicle was promptly rectified and retested within a two-mile window. The maintenance trend is stable, with no recurring mechanical or structural failures appearing across the documented history. The mileage accumulation is consistent and predictable for a vehicle of this age. Between the 2021 test at 157,821 miles and the 2022 test at 165,576 miles, the vehicle covered 7,755 miles in roughly twelve months. The subsequent jump to 171,704 miles by August 2023 represents 6,128 miles over a similar period. This equates to approximately 6,800 miles per year, which is typical for a 25-year-old vehicle and indicates regular, sustained use rather than prolonged standing or excessive annual mileage. The record is clean and sparse, with no gaps or anomalies suggesting odometer tampering or extended periods off the road. Despite the clean MOT history, a buyer should approach this vehicle with a thorough in-person inspection focused on age-related deterioration rather than flagged mechanical faults. At 171,704 miles, consumable components such as suspension bushes, coil springs, and shock absorbers are likely approaching the end of their service life even if they have not yet triggered a test failure. The exhaust system and catalytic converter warrant close scrutiny, as emissions compliance on a 2001 petrol engine can degrade gradually between tests without producing an immediate advisory. Brake discs, calipers, and flexible hoses should be examined for corrosion and binding, common issues on vehicles of this age that may not always surface during a standard MOT. Structural integrity is the primary concern. The Ford Focus of this generation is susceptible to corrosion on inner wing arches, sills, and subframes, particularly if the vehicle has been used in areas with road salt exposure. A buyer should inspect these areas thoroughly for surface rust, bubbling paint, or perforation that may not have been visible or severe enough to fail previous tests. The clean MOT record is encouraging, but it does not guarantee the absence of latent corrosion or imminent wear on high-mileage components. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic remains strongly advisable.