2020 Ford Focus 1.5L Petrol · SW69 HZH

The 2020 Ford Focus presents a mixed maintenance picture that has stabilised recently but warrants careful scrutiny. The most recent MOT on 24 September 2025 at 61,256 miles passed cleanly with zero defects, a marked improvement over the failed test just four days earlier on 20 September 2025 at 61,254 miles. That failure revealed significant wear across multiple systems simultaneously: both front tyres below the 1.6mm legal limit, rear brake pads at critical thickness, and advisories on both front steering track rod arms alongside worn and pitted rear brake discs. The rapid turnaround suggests the previous owner addressed these items promptly, but the failure itself indicates a period of deferred upkeep immediately prior. The trend overall is resolving, though the pattern of letting components wear to failure before replacement raises questions about routine servicing discipline. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a six-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 10,209 miles per year. The record shows a steady climb from 27,689 miles on 30 September 2022 to 38,375 miles on 29 September 2023, then to 49,908 miles on 25 September 2024, and finally to 61,256 miles by September 2025. There are no alarming gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer readings, and the annual increments have remained relatively consistent at around 11,000 to 12,000 miles per year. The MOT history itself is complete with no missing annual tests, which is a positive indicator of regulatory compliance. A buyer should pay particular attention to the front suspension and steering components. The September 2025 failure flagged both front steering track rod arms, which are critical for precise steering response and tyre wear patterns. Combined with the advisory on uneven front tyre wear noted in the September 2024 test, there is a clear suggestion that front-end geometry or worn bushes may have been neglected over an extended period. Inspecting the inner edges of the front tyres for feathering or scalloping, and checking for play in the track rod ends and suspension bushes, would be prudent before purchase. The braking system also demands a thorough in-person check. The 2024 test flagged worn and pitted discs all round along with fluctuating service brake performance, and the 2025 failure showed rear pads at 2mm and pitted rear discs. While these were rectified for the pass, the repeated pattern of disc wear and pitting across consecutive years suggests the vehicle may have been driven in conditions that accelerate corrosion, such as short trips or coastal environments. A buyer should inspect the condition of the current brake discs for lipping and pitting, check pad thickness, and assess whether the brake fluid has been changed regularly given the fluctuating pedal feel recorded in 2024.