2011 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · SH11 RNF

This fifteen-year-old Ford Focus presents a roadworthiness profile dominated by a consistent and escalating pattern of rear suspension wear, a defect class that has been flagged at every MOT inspection on file and is clearly worsening with mileage accumulation. The most recent test on 2 February 2026 resulted in a pass, but only after a prior failure was rectified, and the advisory list is dense and telling: both front tyres are worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear, both rear trailing arm bushes are noted as worn, and a minor exhaust gas leak is present at the rear. The trailing arm bush advisories have appeared repeatedly across the 2024, 2025, and 2026 tests, confirming this is a chronic wear item rather than a marginal observation, and the addition of tyre edge wear and exhaust leakage in the latest inspection suggests other chassis and underbody components are beginning to demand attention as the vehicle passes the 110,000 mile threshold. Mileage on this Focus stands at 110,593 miles, equating to roughly 7,373 miles per year across its fifteen-year life, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age and segment and indicates regular rather than sporadic use. The annual MOT coverage has been continuous through 2024, 2025, and 2026 with no testing gaps, providing a reliable three-year trend picture. There are no extended periods off the road that would raise concerns about seized brake calipers, perished fuel lines, or dormant corrosion issues, although at this age and mileage the underfloor and suspension components are entering the phase where rubber and protective coatings deteriorate naturally regardless of how the car was driven. For a prospective buyer, the priority mechanical concerns are the rear trailing arm bushes that have been repeatedly flagged. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the rear suspension over speed humps, broken tarmac, and uneven road surfaces, and pay particular attention to any lateral movement or shimmy at the rear under braking or when changing direction at moderate speed. With the bushes showing progressive wear, it is prudent to budget for replacement of both rear trailing arms and associated bushes, and to inspect the rear anti-roll bar links and drop links at the same time as these are commonly replaced in conjunction. The front tyres being worn close to the legal limit and showing edge wear warrants inspection of the wheel alignment, as edge wear typically indicates a tracking issue that may also accelerate the deterioration of the already-stressed rear suspension components. The 2025 test failure for an inoperative front windscreen washer is a minor functional defect but worth verifying on any viewing, as washer system failures on a Focus of this era can stem from a failed pump, a fractured hose, or a blocked nozzle, and the repair cost is negligible. The minor rear exhaust leak should be investigated on a cold start and under load, listening for a ticking or hissing noise from the rear silencer or pipe joint, and checking for any black sooting around the joint that would confirm the leak point. The advisories relating to slight corrosion on both front brake hose ferrules noted in 2025 are early-stage surface oxidation rather than an immediate safety concern, but at this mileage the brake hoses themselves, the front brake discs and pads, and the rear drum or disc assemblies should all be physically inspected for wear thickness and service condition, as none of these items were flagged in the MOT records and may now be approaching replacement. A thorough underbody inspection on a ramp is strongly advised before purchase, focusing on the rear trailing arm mounting points, the exhaust system, and the general condition of the brake lines and fuel lines, all of which are critical to ongoing roadworthiness on a Focus of this age and mileage.