2013 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · ST62 VFP

A clean and uninterrupted run of MOT passes at the 2026-01-20, 2025-01-21, 2024-01-23, and 2023-01-24 tests defines the mechanical character of this 2013 Ford Focus. Notably, the most recent entry on 2026-01-20 shows both a pass and a fail recorded on the same date, but with no defects logged against either outcome, which suggests a minor administrative or retest event rather than any underlying mechanical concern. With no advisories carried forward across four consecutive annual examinations, there is no documented pattern of component wear, corrosion, or degradation flagged by DVSA examiners. The record presents a stable roadworthiness profile with no deterioration in test outcomes over the most recent cycle. At 91,632 miles over roughly thirteen years, this Focus has covered approximately 7,049 miles annually, which sits comfortably in the typical range for a vehicle of its age and segment. There are no extended gaps in the MOT history and no evidence of the car being laid up for consecutive years, meaning the mechanical components have seen consistent if moderate use. This kind of steady mileage accumulation is generally kinder to components like the clutch, cooling system, and brake calipers than very low annual figures combined with long idle periods, which can allow for corrosion to take hold on brake discs, seized handbrake mechanisms, and degraded coolant hoses. The mileage progression between tests remains in line with expected annual usage, indicating no abnormal journeys or clock irregularities. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any flagged advisories means a physical inspection becomes particularly important, as there are no MOT-documented weak points to prioritise. On a test drive, pay close attention to the front suspension, particularly the compliance bushes, track control arms, and anti-roll bar drop links, which are known wear items on Mk2 and Mk3 Focus models of this era and often go unflagged until they produce knocking or uneven tyre wear. Listen for clonks or creaks over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, and check for uneven inner or outer tyre shoulder wear, which can indicate worn suspension geometry. The steering should feel precise without looseness or vibration, and any pulling to one side under braking or acceleration warrants further investigation of the brake caliper slides, discs, and pads. Given the higher mileage relative to age and the diesel or petrol powertrain options common to this generation, it is also worth carrying out specific checks the MOT cannot fully evaluate. Listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, particularly on 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.6 TDCi variants, as these engines are known to develop chain stretch and variable timing issues well before 100,000 miles. Inspect the underside for any oil misting around the cam cover or sump gasket, as a 13-year-old Focus commonly begins to seep oil at this stage even without it being flagged as an MOT failure. Check the operation of the clutch bite point and ensure it does not slip under load, and confirm the cooling fan cycles correctly and the coolant reservoir is clean, as neglected cooling system maintenance is a frequent cause of head gasket concerns on this model.