2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · PL16 DXZ

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 20 July 2026 resulted in a fail with three major defects, although the same date also shows a pass entry, indicating the issues were rectified and the vehicle subsequently retested within the same inspection window. The recorded majors are nonetheless significant and merit careful scrutiny. The offside front headlamp failure on dipped beam is a straightforward electrical fault, likely a failed bulb, relay, or connector, but a persistent or recurring issue could suggest loom damage or earth corrosion. The Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp being inoperative or showing a fault points toward an emissions or engine management issue that has been logged; on a test drive, any rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, reduced fuel economy, or illumination of the lamp again should be treated as a red flag requiring diagnostic interrogation. The front service brake excessively fluctuating on both sides is the most concerning mechanical defect, suggesting uneven brake disc wear, warped or scored discs, or potentially seized caliper slider mechanisms; the buyer should look for brake shudder through the steering wheel under firm braking and any pulling to one side. Annual mileage of approximately 7,285 miles is broadly typical for a ten-year-old Ford Focus and suggests moderate rather than extreme use, which is generally favourable for long-term component longevity. There is no evidence of abnormally low mileage that would raise concerns about prolonged standing, such as severe brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, or perished coolant and brake hoses from calendar-based degradation, nor does the record suggest excessive high-mileage wear on clutches, suspension, or drivetrain components. That said, the brake fluctuation issue noted above demonstrates that even moderate-use vehicles can suffer from uneven pad transfer to discs if used predominantly on short urban journeys, and a thorough inspection of brake component condition is therefore essential regardless of the mileage being broadly average. The advisory from July 2025 regarding an offside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge warrants particular attention. Edge wear, particularly on the inner shoulder, typically indicates tracking misalignment or worn suspension components such as wishbone bushes, drop links, or top mounts, rather than simple tyre ageing. A prospective buyer should inspect all four tyres for even tread depth across the full width, check for uneven shoulder wear, and consider a four-wheel alignment check. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or wandering from the steering. The brake shudder already mentioned, combined with this tyre wear pattern, suggests the front suspension and braking system should be examined together as a priority, as faults in one area frequently correlate with the other on this generation of Focus. Given the vehicle is now ten years old with moderate mileage, several age-related checks should form part of any physical inspection regardless of the MOT outcome. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for cracking and perishing caused by UV exposure, which can render tyres unsafe even with adequate tread depth. The 12V battery should be load tested, as original equipment batteries rarely last beyond seven years, and a failing battery can mask or cause electrical faults such as the headlamp failure recorded. Brake discs, even those with adequate friction material, may exhibit surface corrosion from standing or light use, so each caliper should be checked for smooth operation and the slider pins for free movement. All fluid services should be verified by service book stamps or invoices, with brake fluid ideally renewed every two years and coolant refreshed on a calendar basis rather than mileage alone, as both degrade chemically over time. Finally, the underbody and suspension arms should be inspected for corrosion, particularly around the rear axle and subframe mounting points, and the exhaust system checked for rust perforation at joints and the rear silencer.