2020 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · WM69 VFV

Brake and tyre wear is the defining theme of this 2020 Ford Focus's test history, with dangerous defects recorded at two of the last three test cycles. In January 2024 both front tyres failed as dangerous for tread below the 1.6mm legal minimum, and in May 2026 the offside front brake pads were found worn below 1.5mm, again classed as dangerous, alongside advisories for thin nearside rear pads and both rear tyres worn close to the legal limit. The January 2025 test had already flagged worn, pitted or scored rear brake discs on both sides plus thin rear pads, so the braking system has been a recurring advisory area for consecutive years. That said, the vehicle passed on the same day as each failure once rectified, and the most recent pass on 1 May 2026 was recorded with no defects at all, suggesting the flagged items were addressed. The overall trend is one of consumable wear being allowed to run to dangerous levels before rectification, rather than any structural or corrosion concern. Recorded mileage stands at 50,823 miles over roughly six years, an average of about 8,470 miles per year, which is typical for the age and consistent with regular mixed use rather than prolonged standing. Tests have been conducted annually without significant gaps, and the mileage progression supports the wear pattern seen in the records: front tyres and brake pads wearing through normal use, with the rear discs showing pitting and scoring consistent with their lighter workload. There is nothing in the usage data to suggest unusual stress, but equally nothing to suggest the car has been spared ordinary consumable replacement cycles. For a prospective buyer, the priority is verifying that the braking work flagged in May 2026 was completed to a proper standard. Confirm the offside front pads were replaced and check whether the front discs were renewed at the same time, since fitting new pads to worn discs accelerates wear and reduces braking performance. On a test drive, listen for grinding or squealing from the rear brakes and feel for judder through the pedal or steering wheel under firm braking, which would indicate the pitted and scored rear discs noted in January 2025 have deteriorated further or were never replaced. Check for the car pulling to one side under braking, which could point to uneven pad wear or a binding caliper. Tyres also warrant close attention given failures and advisories across three consecutive tests. Inspect all four corners for tread depth above 3mm and, critically, for edge or shoulder wear matching the pattern recorded on the rear tyres, as wear concentrated on the edges can indicate incorrect pressures or alignment issues that will consume replacement tyres quickly. During the drive, note any steering pull on a straight road or vibration at motorway speeds. Finally, ask for invoices covering the rectification work after both dangerous failures; a same-day pass confirms the defects were cleared, but documentation of parts fitted will clarify whether the rear discs and pads flagged since 2025 have actually been renewed or merely monitored.