2011 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · ST61 EEM

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a reactive approach to repairs rather than proactive prevention. The most recent test in February 2025 at 124,742 miles followed a failure five days prior where the nearside front shock absorber exhibited a serious fluid leak and poor damping. While the immediate failures were addressed, the recurring presence of tyres worn close to the legal limit across multiple years suggests that the owner only replaces essential consumables when they reach the point of failure or the legal threshold. At 124,742 miles over fifteen years, the Focus has averaged approximately 8,300 miles per year, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. The data shows consistent mileage accumulation, with roughly 6,400 miles driven between the February 2023 and February 2024 tests, and another 6,400 miles in the following year. This steady usage indicates the car has been used regularly rather than sitting for long periods, though the non-excessive engine oil leak noted in early 2024 warrants continued monitoring. A buyer must closely inspect the suspension and braking systems as these areas have shown frequent mechanical faults. The 2023 failure highlighted significant issues including an excessively binding rear brake caliper, imbalanced front brakes, and a split CV boot on the offside front drive shaft. Recurring issues with uneven tyre wear on the inner edges indicate potential alignment problems or worn suspension bushes that may not have been fully rectified. Physical inspection of the front shock absorbers for new leaks and a check of the brake component integrity are essential to ensure the 2025 repairs were effective.