2012 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · NG12 CFE

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT test on 9 December 2025, although this was achieved only after a prior failure the previous day. The current pass carries a minor defect for a defective nearside front wiper blade and an advisory regarding an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit. Looking at the broader DVSA record, the maintenance trend appears uneven and raises legitimate concern. Failures in both 2022 and 2024 involved dangerous tyre defects and serious mechanical issues, while the same advisory items, including worn tyres, oil leak, brake pad wear, and discoloured front indicators, have recurred across multiple consecutive tests. The repeat advisories for suspension components, in particular the offside front coil spring fractured in December 2024 and the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint excessively worn in December 2022, indicate that the suspension and undercarriage have already required multiple substantial repairs and should be expected to require further attention. With 140,068 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, this Focus has covered roughly 10,000 miles per year, which sits broadly in line with typical annual mileage for a car of this age. Importantly, the gap between the 2023 test (around December 2023) and the 2024 test (December 2024) is consistent with a normal annual pattern, but the heavy concentration of advisories and major defects on items subjected to wear, such as tyres, brake pads, and suspension components, reflects a vehicle that has accumulated substantial mechanical wear. The persistent oil leak advisory noted since at least 2022, although flagged as not excessive, suggests an ongoing seal or gasket issue that will require eventual rectification and would warrant checking for fresh oil residue on the engine and undertray during inspection. With mileage of this level, the drivetrain, clutch (if manual), and dual-clutch or automatic transmission components, if applicable, are approaching the upper end of their expected service life. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the recurring front tyre wear advisories and the dangerous tyre failure in late 2024, as uneven wear on the nearside front specifically points to a possible tracking, geometry, or suspension bush issue that has not been fully resolved. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps, particularly when traversing speed humps or uneven surfaces, and feel for vagueness or pulling in the steering. Check that the front wheels are correctly aligned and inspect the inner and outer edges of the tyres for uneven wear, feathering, or scuffing. The previously fractured offside front coil spring should be visually inspected along with the nearside front spring, as coil springs typically fail in pairs due to similar age and stress cycles. With 140,000 miles covered, also budget for the replacement of the timing belt, water pump, and auxiliary drive belts if these are not supported by recent invoices, as well as a thorough inspection of the clutch for slippage or juddering. Given the vehicle's age of fourteen years and its MOT history, even items that currently appear sound may be nearing the end of their functional lifespan. Inspect all tyres, including the rears, for sidewall cracking or perishing from age-related rubber degradation, even where tread depth appears adequate. Examine the brake discs for signs of corrosion or lipping, and verify that the calipers are not seizing, particularly if the car has been used for short journeys, as binding calipers are common on vehicles of this profile. The 12V battery is likely due for replacement given its age, and the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should all be considered due for renewal in line with calendar-based servicing intervals. Confirm a complete service history with stamped or documented evidence of regular maintenance, and inspect the underside of the vehicle on a ramp for corrosion, fluid leaks, or perished rubber boots on the steering and driveshaft gaiters. The persistent oil leak advisory over four consecutive tests warrants a compression test and a thorough inspection of the cam belt area, valve cover gasket, and sump seal before committing to purchase.