2014 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · TC02 CHR

The most recent MOT test on the 2014 Ford Focus, conducted on 2025-10-06, resulted in a passing grade, though it was accompanied by several advisories that indicate ongoing but not critical issues. The vehicle’s maintenance history reveals a pattern of recurring advisories related to tyre wear, wheel bearing play, and brake condition, with no failures since 2020 except for a minor lamp failure in that year. While the 2022 MOT failure for front tyre tread depth below legal limits was the most severe recorded, the subsequent tests show consistent advisories rather than a deterioration trend, suggesting that the wear issues have stabilised rather than worsened over time. The absence of further failures or critical defects in the last three years supports a relatively stable roadworthiness profile, though the tyre and wheel bearing advisories warrant close attention during a purchase. The vehicle’s recorded mileage of 108,920 miles at the time of assessment represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 9,077 miles, which is typical for a 12-year-old car of this class. This usage level does not indicate excessive wear beyond what is expected for its age, but it does imply that the car has been driven regularly rather than left in a stationary state for prolonged periods. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests that the vehicle has been in active service, which can accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components. However, the consistent advisories on tyre wear and wheel bearing play suggest that the car has been subjected to moderate to heavy use, particularly in the last few years, which may have contributed to the observed degradation. For a prospective buyer, the most urgent concerns stem from the tyre wear advisories, which indicate that the front and rear tyres are nearing or have exceeded the legal minimum tread depth limits. The nearside and offside front tyres show significant edge wear, which can result from underinflation, alignment issues, or excessive braking, all of which can lead to premature tyre failure and reduced handling stability. During a test drive, listen for uneven tyre wear patterns that may suggest misalignment or suspension issues, and visually inspect the tyres for cracks or dry rot, particularly in the shoulder areas. The wheel bearing play advisory on the offside front wheel requires immediate attention, as excessive bearing wear can lead to steering vibration, noise, and potential wheel detachment. Inspect the wheel bearing for excessive play by gently rotating the wheel while applying pressure to the brake pedal and listening for grinding or clunking noises, especially at low speeds or when turning. Beyond the immediate concerns, the vehicle’s history of brake disc pitting and corrosion advisories suggests that the braking system may have experienced prolonged or heavy use, leading to wear and potential corrosion buildup. The nearside and offside front brake discs show signs of wear but are not deemed seriously weakened, though the pitting indicates that the discs may need resurfacing or replacement in the near future. During a test drive, observe for brake shudder, pulsation, or a spongy pedal feel, which could indicate warped discs or warped brake pads. Additionally, check for uneven brake pad wear or excessive heat discolouration on the discs, which may signal underlying issues. The underbody corrosion advisory from previous MOTs highlights the importance of inspecting the vehicle’s underside for rust, particularly around the wheel arches, suspension mounts, and exhaust system, as standing water and road salt can accelerate corrosion over time. A thorough visual inspection of the chassis and structural components is essential, paying close attention to any signs of rust penetration that could compromise the vehicle’s structural integrity. Finally, given the vehicle’s age and usage, consider a comprehensive fluid check, including the brake fluid, differential fluid, and coolant, as these fluids can degrade over time even without mileage. Replace fluids that are overdue for servicing, particularly the brake fluid, which should be changed every two years or 60,000 miles to prevent contamination and corrosion in the braking system. Additionally, verify that the service book records reflect any scheduled maintenance, such as suspension bush replacements, timing belt servicing, and engine oil changes, which are critical for long-term reliability.