2007 Ford Focus 1.8L Diesel · NU07 NDF

The most recent MOT on 22 April 2026 was passed, the only comment being a deteriorated rear registration plate that is still legible. Over the last six years the vehicle has alternated between passes and failures, with the 2025‑04‑09 failure highlighting dangerous tyre wear, a rough front wheel bearing, a missing steering‑rack gaiter and serious rear‑inner chassis corrosion. Subsequent tests have cleared those items but the record is now populated with recurring advisories for brake‑disc surface condition, corroded front coil springs, sub‑frame corrosion and tyre tread approaching the legal limit. The pattern suggests a maintenance regime that has kept the car road‑legal but has not fully addressed the underlying corrosion and wear, so the overall trend is stable in terms of MOT status yet still shows lingering deterioration that needs attention. At 179 226 miles the car averages roughly 9 400 miles per year, which is typical for a 2007 model. The mileage does not indicate excessive short‑term abuse, but the cumulative distance is sufficient for normal wear of suspension bushings, brake components, tyre rubber and engine internals. The relatively steady annual usage also implies the vehicle has likely spent a fair amount of time stationary, a condition that can accelerate corrosion of chassis members, sub‑frames and suspension springs, especially in a damp UK climate. A prospective buyer should give particular focus to the front brake discs, which have been flagged for scoring on both sides; inspect them for deep grooves, uneven wear or cracking and listen for a high‑pitched squeal or shudder under braking. The front wheel bearing that was noted as rough should be checked for play or grinding when the wheel is spun and for any humming noise while driving at speed. The missing steering‑rack gaiter can allow dirt ingress and premature rack wear, so verify that the rack boots are intact and that steering feels smooth without dead zones or excessive play. Corrosion has been recorded on the rear inner chassis, rear sub‑frame, front coil springs and anti‑roll bar ball joint; examine these areas for flaking paint, rust pitting or compromised welds, and be alert to any clunk or creak from the suspension when negotiating bumps. Tyre tread depths should be measured on all four wheels; the recent advisories indicate the front tyres are already at the legal limit and the rear tyres have previously fallen below it, so any uneven wear patterns may point to mis‑alignment or worn suspension components. Verify that both windscreen wipers now clear the glass effectively, as a previous failure could indicate worn motor arms or blade wear that may re‑appear. Beyond the recorded defects, the car’s age warrants a thorough check of time‑related items. Inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation, low cranking voltage and swollen cells, especially if the vehicle has spent long periods idle. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – for colour, level and any signs of the minor oil leaks noted in several years; replace fluids if they appear dark or contaminated. Check the condition of the rear registration plate lamp and the legibility of the plate itself, as repeated advisories suggest the mounting may be deteriorating. Finally, confirm that the service history is complete, that any corrosion‑related repairs have been documented, and that the vehicle has had recent tyre replacements, brake pad changes and suspension bushings renewed where necessary before committing to purchase.