2011 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · RV61 ABZ
2011 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 2011. Recorded mileage 106,267 miles. MOT expired on 16 Nov 2025. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Reading
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 16 Nov 2025
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 106,267 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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RV61 ABZ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 07/11/2024
- 106,267 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 8 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
RV61 ABZ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2011 Ford Focus (RV61 ABZ) between November 2022 and November 2024.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 07 November 2024 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (6 issues), Lighting (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Drive shaft joint excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))”; “Nearside Front Service brake excessively fluctuating (1.2.1 (e))”; “Offside Front Headlamp levelling device inoperative level arm broken osf (4.1.5 (a))”.
RV61 ABZ Mileage History
- 14/11/202289,333 mi
- 13/11/202398,843 mi+9,510 mi
- 17/11/202398,951 mi+108 mi
- 06/11/2024106,263 mi+7,312 mi
- 07/11/2024106,267 mi+4 mi
Average of roughly 8,540 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This 2011 Ford Focus has a significant list of advisory items and a history of recent MOT failures, suggesting that maintenance has been reactive rather than preventative.
Before considering a purchase, you must demand a comprehensive service history. The presence of steering rack play and sub-frame corrosion in the latest MOT suggests that the car is entering a phase where expensive mechanical repairs are likely. You should factor in the cost of addressing the 'light misting' on the shock absorbers and the reported oil leak immediately.
Negotiate hard on the price. Given the list of advisories from November 2024, you should expect to spend a considerable amount to bring this vehicle up to a reliable standard. If the seller cannot provide receipts for recent suspension or steering work, assume these tasks will fall to you within the next 6-12 months.
As a 1.6-litre petrol model, this Focus will be reasonably affordable to run in terms of fuel, though it lacks the efficiency of modern turbocharged engines. Insurance groups for this generation of Focus are generally sensible, making it a viable option for a wide range of drivers.
However, maintenance costs are the primary concern here. With known issues regarding steering, brakes, and potential oil leaks, your annual running costs could easily exceed the average for this class of car. Expect an estimated annual running cost of £1,200-£1,500 once you account for the inevitable repairs required to keep the car roadworthy.
Focus your inspection on the underside of the vehicle. The MOT examiner noted rear sub-frame corrosion; you should check this personally for any signs of structural scaling or weakness. Additionally, test the parking brake thoroughly, as 'poor effort' was flagged during the last test, and ensure the steering feels precise with no 'knock' or play when turning the wheel.
Check the engine bay for signs of the oil leak mentioned in the 2024 MOT. Inspect the condition of the tyres, as the vehicle has previously been flagged for perishing rubber. Finally, ensure all electrical components, including the cooling fan and headlight levelling systems, are functioning correctly, as these have been recurring points of failure in the vehicle's recent history.
This 1596cc petrol Ford Focus has covered 106,267 miles, which is broadly average for a 15-year-old vehicle. While it passed its most recent MOT in November 2024, the test revealed a concerning number of advisories, including suspension, steering, and structural corrosion issues. The vehicle's history shows a trend of failing MOTs on its first attempt in recent years, indicating potential underlying neglect.
While the Ford Focus is generally regarded as a reliable workhorse, this specific example shows signs of age-related wear that are common in high-mileage vehicles of this era.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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