2016 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · ST66 TYK

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 9 July 2026 with no defects or advisories recorded, continuing an unbroken run of passes that stretches back through every annual test since December 2019. Reviewing the broader pattern, the maintenance trend appears broadly stable and consistent, with seven clean passes interrupted only by a single minor advisory on the central exhaust section logged in December 2025. The absence of any recurring advisories relating to suspension components, braking systems, tyres, or corrosion strongly suggests that the vehicle has been reasonably well maintained throughout its life, and the recent clean test indicates that whatever remedial work was carried out following the exhaust advisory has likely been attended to effectively. With a recorded mileage of 74,885 miles over a ten-year period, the vehicle is averaging approximately 7,488 miles per annum, which sits comfortably within the typical range for a car of this age and represents neither excessive motorway use nor extended periods of standing. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record, and the relatively consistent year-on-year test intervals indicate the vehicle has remained in regular use rather than being laid up for prolonged periods. This consistent usage pattern is generally favourable, as it tends to discourage the development of standing-related issues such as seized brake calipers, dried seals, and flat-spotted tyres, while still keeping overall wear proportionate to the mileage accrued. Given the largely clean MOT history and the modest annual mileage, a prospective buyer should nevertheless conduct a thorough physical inspection appropriate to a ten-year-old vehicle. The tyres warrant particular scrutiny, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth; check the sidewalls carefully for perishing, cracking, and any visible bulging, and confirm that any fitted items still meet the legal minimum tread requirement. A 2016 Focus will be approaching the end of its natural service life for several time-sensitive items, including the 12V battery, which often fails without warning after seven to eight years, the coolant which should be replaced on a calendar basis to maintain its corrosion-inhibiting properties, and the brake fluid which is hygroscopic and should be changed irrespective of mileage. Inspect the brake discs on the test drive for any signs of corrosion pitting or binding calipers, and verify that the handbrake holds the vehicle firmly on an incline, as rear caliper mechanisms on Focus models of this era can become sluggish. On the test drive itself, listen carefully for any suspension clunks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which could indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or coil spring seats, and pay attention to any pulling under braking which would point to a binding or seized caliper. With reference to the December 2025 exhaust advisory, place the vehicle on an elevated surface or have someone observe the centre section while the engine is running to confirm that no exhaust gases are now escaping from the pipe joints or flexi section, and listen for any ticking or blowing sounds from underneath the car which would indicate a returning leak. Finally, verify the service book stamps and request evidence of cambelt replacement, as the 1.0 EcoBoost and 1.5 TDCi units fitted to this generation of Focus are timing belt equipped and overdue replacement can result in catastrophic engine damage.