2018 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · WD18 RWN

The most recent MOT, carried out on 23 June 2026, was passed but flagged two advisories: the front brake pads were reported as thin and the rear tyres on both sides were noted as being close to the legal tread limit. Over the past five years the vehicle has moved from a dangerous brake‑pad failure in June 2022 and a dangerous tyre tread failure in May 2023 to a series of advisory items that are now being addressed before the next test. This pattern suggests a maintenance regime that is reactive to wear items but has managed to keep the car road‑worthy; the trend is therefore stabilising rather than deteriorating, provided the current advisories are remedied promptly. At 72,510 mi recorded in 2026 the Focus averages roughly 9 000 mi per year, which sits comfortably within the typical UK usage envelope for a vehicle of its age. There are no obvious periods of unusually high mileage that would point to intensive short‑term abuse, nor are there long gaps that might indicate prolonged storage. Consequently the wear on major consumables such as tyres, brake pads and suspension components is likely to be in line with normal calendar and mileage‑related degradation rather than accelerated failure. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the front brake pads and rear tyre condition. Verify the actual pad thickness – anything under 1.5 mm will need replacement – and listen for any squeal, pulsation or increased stopping distances during a road test. Examine the rear tyres for tread depth on all four corners, sidewall cracking, and check the DOT date code; tyres older than six years can become brittle even if the tread appears acceptable. Uneven wear patterns may reveal worn suspension bushes, misaligned coil springs or a failing rear axle bearing, so a brief wheel‑hop test and a visual inspection of the lower control arms and bushings are advisable. The near‑side front inner tyre was previously flagged as dangerously low, so confirm that it has been replaced or re‑treaded and that the wheel is true. In addition to the wear items, inspect the front repeater lamp for the reported minor damage and ensure the rear registration plate is fully legible, as deterioration can become a legal issue. Given the vehicle’s eight‑year age, assess the 12 V battery’s cranking performance and check for any signs of electrolyte leakage or corrosion on terminals. Verify that the engine oil, coolant and brake fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals – fluid degradation is a calendar‑driven risk in cars that have spent periods standing idle. Finally, a thorough review of the service book for documented oil changes, timing belt or chain service (if applicable) will give confidence that the drivetrain has been maintained in line with Ford’s specifications.