2016 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · PX66 LXT

A pattern of front-axle wear is the defining mechanical story of this 2016 Ford Focus, with brake and tyre advisories recurring across multiple tests over the last four years. The most recent examination on 30 June 2026 produced a pass alongside an advisory for front brake pads wearing thin, following earlier flags in July 2025 and December 2022 for both front tyres being worn close to the legal limit on the inner edges. While none of these entries constituted a failure, the consistency of the components flagged points to either an alignment issue accelerating inner-edge tyre wear, or simply the natural consequence of regular use on the driven axle. The intervening clean tests in November 2023 and July 2024 demonstrate the vehicle remains fundamentally roadworthy, but the advisory trail suggests front-end consumables are reaching the end of their service life and warrant close physical inspection rather than just a paper check. Against an expected annual average of roughly 7,500 to 9,000 miles for a vehicle of this age, the recorded 91,174 miles equates to approximately 9,100 miles per year, placing this Focus squarely within typical usage parameters for a commuter or family car. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record between 2022 and 2026, suggesting the vehicle has remained in continuous use rather than being laid up for extended periods. This consistency is mechanically reassuring, as regular driving tends to keep seals, brake components, and the clutch exercised, while multi-year standing periods can bring their own problems with brake caliper binding and fluid degradation. The mileage progression reflects steady everyday motoring with the predictable wear that comes with it. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the front brake and suspension assembly, given the recurring advisories. The brake pads flagged as wearing thin in June 2026 will likely need replacement imminently, and a thorough check should include the condition of the front discs for lipping, ridging, or corrosion around the outer edge, as worn pads frequently score the disc surface. The inner-edge tyre wear noted in 2022 and 2025 is particularly informative on a test drive, as it can indicate worn suspension components such as track rod ends, wishbone bushes, or anti-roll bar drop links. With the ignition off and the steering manipulated, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven road surfaces, and feel for any vagueness, wandering, or pulling to one side which would point toward geometry or steering linkage wear. Beyond the documented items, a test drive should include firm braking from around 30 mph to check for judder through the pedal, which suggests warped front discs, and a careful listen for any binding or grinding from the front calipers as the wheels are turned from cold. The engine bay should be inspected for oil residue around the cam cover or rocker gasket, as Focus models of this era are known to develop minor oil seepage with age, and the coolant expansion tank should be checked for staining below the cap indicating a slow leak. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, a compression test or at minimum a scan for stored fault codes would be prudent to confirm the health of the engine and gearbox before committing to purchase.