2013 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · SN13 SBZ

A clean and reassuring DVSA history defines this 2013 Ford Focus. Every recorded MOT test since 2022 has resulted in a pass with no advisories, and although the most recent attempt on 3 April 2025 was initially recorded as a failure, a subsequent pass on the same date with no defects recorded suggests an immediate rectification rather than a substantive roadworthiness concern. Across four consecutive years of testing there is no logged evidence of recurring wear items such as corroded brake pipes, deteriorated suspension components, binding brakes, or structural corrosion, which for a thirteen year old car is a notably strong track record. The absence of advisories means there are no flagged items currently trending towards failure, indicating that the consumable and chassis components inspected at the MOT stage were all within serviceable condition at the last assessment. Annual mileage of approximately 8,166 miles over the vehicle's thirteen year life places the car broadly in line with typical usage for its age, neither excessively high nor worryingly low. The testing pattern is regular and annual, with no multi-year gaps that would suggest a prolonged period off the road, and the steady progression of tests from 2022 through to 2025 implies consistent use. Mechanically, this level of use means the engine and drivetrain have been worked regularly enough to avoid the standing-start issues associated with very low mileage cars, while not accumulating the sort of high-mileage wear that typically accelerates suspension bush deterioration, clutch wear, or turbocharger stress on the Focus's TDCi diesel units where fitted. The mileage is sufficient to have warranted normal replacement of service items such as tyres and brake consumables within the past few years, but not so high as to raise immediate concerns over major component fatigue. Given the completely clean advisory history, a prospective buyer's inspection should focus on the areas that commonly affect the Focus at this age and mileage but which do not always trigger an MOT entry. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn lower wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, both known wear items on the Mk2 and Mk3 Focus platforms. Feel for any vagueness or wandering from the steering, as worn front strut top mounts and tie rod ends can develop slack even when individual components still pass the MOT tap test. Pay attention to clutch bite point, any judder on take-off, and any hesitation or misfire from the engine under load, as these symptoms relate to mechanical wear that MOT testing does not assess. For the braking system, although no MOT advisories were recorded, check for any pulling to one side under moderate braking or a spongy pedal, both of which can indicate a seizing caliper slider or flex in older brake hoses that has not yet reached the failure threshold. Inspect the underside of the vehicle directly for any emerging corrosion on the rear axle, subframe mounting points, and along the brake pipe runs, as the third generation Focus is known to develop surface corrosion in these areas that can progress between MOT tests. Examine the engine bay and undertray for signs of oil misting or dampness around the rocker cover gasket and oil filter housing, which are common leak points. Finally, confirm that the cooling system has been maintained, as the Mk3 Focus is prone to water pump and thermostat housing failures that would not show on an MOT record but could lead to overheating on a longer journey.