2011 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · SY11 OWK

The vehicle passed its most recent MOT on 2026‑06‑23 at 109,176 miles, receiving only advisories for defective windscreen wiper blades, corrosion on the rear sub‑frame, corrosion on the near‑side and off‑side rear suspension arms, and worn trailing‑arm bushes. The trend shows improvement after the two failures recorded in May 2025, when tyre wear, exhaust emissions and a rough front wheel bearing caused rejections. The recent pass indicates those issues have been addressed, leaving the car roadworthy but with several items that merit attention. Mileage progression from March 2018 (78,563 mi) to June 2026 (109,176 mi) totals 30,613 miles over eight years, averaging roughly 3,800 mi per year—considerably below the typical 7,300 mi/year for an eight‑year‑old vehicle. This lower accumulation suggests periods of light use or storage. MOT entries are clustered around late May/early June each year, with occasional duplicate tests (2022‑05‑31) and a one‑month gap between the latest pass and the current date, confirming the record’s recency. Recurring faults highlight areas a buyer should inspect in person. The rear suspension system shows persistent corrosion on the sub‑frame (5.3.3(b)(i)) and worn trailing‑arm bushes (5.3.4(a)(i)); both rear suspension arm pins and bushes should be checked for excessive movement and any rust affecting structural integrity. Brake‑cable damage and rear‑brake imbalance have appeared in past failures, so a visual inspection of the rear brake cables and a test of brake balance are essential. The exhaust system failed in 2025 due to elevated CO, HC and lambda readings; a thorough check of exhaust hangers, catalytic converter and lambda sensor is recommended. Tyre condition remains a concern, with front tyres worn close to legal limits in 2025; a tread‑depth measurement and alignment verification are necessary. The defective wiper blades and distorted road wheels noted in the latest test should also be examined for proper operation and rim condition. Overall the car is currently roadworthy, yet the pattern of suspension corrosion, worn bushes, brake‑cable damage and past exhaust failures indicates that a detailed pre‑purchase inspection of those systems is advisable before purchase. The recent MOT confirms legal fitness, but the advisories point to maintenance needs that could affect long‑term reliability.