2016 Ford Focus 1.5L Diesel · ST66 DJS

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT in April 2024, though this followed a failure for a non-functional windscreen washer. Looking at the broader history, the maintenance trend is concerning and appears reactive rather than proactive. There is a persistent oil leak that has been noted as an advisory for several consecutive years, and a recurring pattern of allowing tyres and brake pads to deteriorate to dangerous levels before they are replaced. This suggests a lack of preventative maintenance, which may indicate that other critical service items have been overlooked. With a recorded mileage of 85,171 miles over approximately ten years, the vehicle has averaged around 8,500 miles per year. This is considered typical usage for a car of this age and does not suggest any abnormal periods of standing or excessive heavy-duty use. While the mileage itself is not excessive, the mechanical implications are tied to the quality of care; the wear on consumables like tyres and brakes has been managed poorly, meaning the drivetrain and chassis may have been subjected to unnecessary stress. A primary area of concern is the long-term oil leak recorded since early 2022. You must inspect the engine bay for fresh seepage around the rocker cover, oil sump, and oil filter housing, and check the dipstick to ensure the oil level is correct. During a test drive, be alert for the smell of burning oil or blue smoke from the exhaust, which could indicate oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold. Furthermore, given the history of dangerous brake pad wear in 2020 and advisories in 2024, you should check for brake shudder or a spongy pedal feel, and verify if the brake discs have been replaced or if they show significant scoring and lipping. The repeated failures and advisories regarding tyre tread depth and edge wear are highly indicative of poor wheel alignment or worn suspension components. You should physically inspect the inner and outer edges of all tyres for uneven wear patterns, which often point to failing suspension bushes or worn coil springs. During the test drive, listen for clunking noises over bumps and ensure the vehicle does not pull to one side under braking or acceleration. It is essential to verify that all tyres mentioned in the April 2024 advisories have been replaced with quality rubber and that a full four-wheel alignment has been performed.