2010 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · WD10 FNH

The most recent MOT, conducted on 30 March 2026 at 65,357 miles, passed with no dangerous or major failures. However, the advisories reveal a maintenance pattern that is stable but chronically deferred. The tester flagged the same front suspension arm bushes and rear sub-frame corrosion that have appeared consistently since at least 2023. These are not new failures, yet they have never been rectified. The vehicle is roadworthy today, but the record suggests a long-term approach of passing the test rather than proactively resolving known wear. Over the last three years, the mileage has increased by roughly 10,000 miles, from 55,376 in March 2023 to 65,357 in March 2026. That equates to approximately 3,300 miles per year, which is low for a 2010 vehicle but consistent with the recorded average of 4,085 miles annually over its full life. The MOT history is unusually sparse, with only one recorded test per year in March 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, plus a single failure on the same day in 2023. The gap between the failed test at 55,376 miles and the next recorded test at 61,264 miles in March 2024 suggests the fuel leak and rear fog lamp defect were addressed, but the underlying suspension and corrosion issues persisted unchanged. The recurring advisories point to a vehicle that has been driven gently but maintained minimally. The rear sub-frame and rear lower suspension arms have been flagged as corroded at every test from March 2024 through March 2026, with the tester consistently noting the corrosion is not seriously weakened. That wording matters. It means the structure has passed today, but corrosion on a 16-year-old sub-frame is progressive. A buyer should physically inspect the rear sub-frame, rear lower arms, and the mounting points for the suspension arms with a torch and a screwdriver, looking for flaking metal or soft spots rather than surface rust alone. The front lower suspension arm bushes have worn steadily since at least 2023, and the rear coil springs were flagged as corroded in both 2023 and 2024. Tyre condition has also been a recurring minor issue, with the nearside rear tyre showing cracking or perishing in 2024 and 2025, and the nearside front tyre worn on its edges in 2026. Edge wear on the front tyre suggests the tracking or front geometry may be out, which would also explain the persistent front bush wear. Before purchase, have the front wheel alignment checked and inspect the inner sidewalls of all four tyres. The 2023 failure for a fuel system leak around the injectors was resolved, but the engine oil leak has appeared as a minor advisory in every test from 2023 to 2026. It has never worsened to a failure, yet it has never been fixed. Check the engine rocker cover gasket and the area around the injectors for fresh oil or residue.