2010 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · OV60 AVX

A largely clean MOT record across seven annual tests is punctuated by two failures, both centred on relatively minor but legally significant defects. The most recent test on 14 November 2025 was a pass with no advisories recorded, indicating that the position lamp issue which caused the same-day fail had been rectified prior to re-presentation. Earlier in the file, the only structural concern arose at the November 2023 test, when the vehicle failed on two related parking brake defects: an inoperative offside rear parking brake and overall parking brake efficiency below requirements. Both 2023 items were categorised as Major and the vehicle subsequently passed on 15 November 2023 without recorded advisories, suggesting the rear brake mechanism was repaired comprehensively rather than temporarily. With the exception of these two isolated events, the record shows consecutive passes at every annual test since 2020, with no advisories logged at any point. The recorded mileage of 78,193 miles across approximately sixteen years of service equates to an average annual accumulation of around 4,887 miles, which is notably low for a car of this vintage. The mileage has progressed steadily through each test entry without any anomalous jumps or gaps, and there are no extended periods where the vehicle appears to have been off the road between tests. A usage profile of this nature typically results in less wear on major drivetrain and braking consumables than a higher-mileage equivalent, but it can also mean that components more susceptible to ageing rather than mechanical wear such as rubber seals, brake hoses, suspension bushes and coolant system hoses may have deteriorated through time rather than use. Given the 2023 parking brake failure, particular attention should be directed at the rear braking system during any pre-purchase inspection. The offside rear parking brake mechanism should be tested on an incline to confirm it holds firmly without creeping, and the handbrake lever travel should feel consistent rather than reaching excessively high. The rear brake shoes, drums or caliper actuators depending on the specific rear axle configuration fitted to this model should be examined for even wear and proper adjustment. On a road test, listen for any scraping or binding noises from the rear wheels when releasing the handbrake from cold, as a partially seized cable or pivot can mimic efficiency issues at low effort but pass under static test conditions. For a vehicle of this age and low annual mileage, the test drive should also focus on the secondary symptoms of prolonged standing rather than high wear. Cold-start behaviour, steering smoothness through full lock, and the response of the clutch after extended idle periods are all worth monitoring. Check for any signs of brake pipe corrosion along the underbody and inspect the suspension components, particularly the lower wishbones, drop links and anti-roll bar bushes, for perishing or splitting which is common on Focus models of this generation. The exhaust system should be examined for internal corrosion given the low usage, and a thorough underbody inspection is recommended to confirm structural integrity before purchase, even though the MOT record itself has not flagged any corrosion advisories.