2018 Ford Focus 1.0L Petrol · WN68 EXZ

A clean four-year MOT trajectory defines this Ford Focus, with three consecutive passes and only a single minor advisory and one isolated major failure on record. The most recent test on 3 September 2025 resulted in a pass with no defects recorded, demonstrating solid underlying roadworthiness at the time of examination. The earlier failure on the same date for an inoperative horn is a trivial electrical issue rather than an indicator of systemic mechanical deterioration, easily rectified with a replacement horn or relay. The only advisory of note was issued in September 2023 for an offside front tyre worn close to the legal limit on its edge, a typical wear pattern for front-driven vehicles that pull slightly into kerbs or exhibit mild camber wear. Aside from these minor items, the structural, braking, suspension, and emissions components have remained unflagged throughout the testing history, indicating a vehicle that has presented no significant corrosion or wear concerns to DVSA examiners. Against an age of approximately eight years, the recorded mileage of 27,623 miles equates to a modest annual accumulation of around 3,450 miles, well below the typical 7,000 to 10,000 miles covered annually by comparable vehicles in regular use. There are no testing gaps suggesting prolonged off-road status, with consecutive annual tests from 2022 through 2025, and mileage progression between tests is consistent with gentle, steady use rather than long periods of inactivity or sudden heavy accumulation. This low-mileage profile reduces wear on major drivetrain components such as the clutch, gearbox, and turbocharger, and is unlikely to have imposed significant stress on the suspension or braking systems. However, light use combined with the relatively recent test history means the braking discs and pads have likely accumulated limited wear, though they remain subject to corrosion if the vehicle has experienced short journeys or damp storage conditions. For a prospective buyer, attention should focus on the specific item flagged in 2023, namely the offside front tyre. Examine both front tyres closely for uneven shoulder wear, feathering, or one-sided tread depletion, as the advisory noted wear specifically on the edge of the offside tyre which can indicate tracking misalignment or worn suspension components. On a test drive, listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly from the wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links, and track rod ends, all common wear points on a Focus of this vintage. Pay particular attention to steering precision, any pulling to one side under braking, and vibration through the steering wheel, which could suggest tyre deformation or wheel imbalance following the edge-wear condition previously flagged. Given the near-absence of advisories across four consecutive tests, a thorough inspection of the underbody, subframe, brake lines, and exhaust mounting points is advisable to confirm that no corrosion has developed since the last examination, particularly around the rear axle and suspension turrets where Ford Focus models of this generation can exhibit surface rust. During the test drive, monitor the gearbox for any notchiness or crunching during shifts, especially on the synchromesh between second and third gears, and verify that the clutch bites positively without slipping under hard acceleration in a higher gear. Listen for any timing chain rattle from a cold start, a known concern on the 1.0 EcoBoost and 1.5 TDCi engines commonly fitted to this model, and check for any oil seepage around the cam cover or sump gasket. Finally, confirm that the horn has been properly repaired since the September 2025 failure, ensuring a single press produces a clear, sustained tone without requiring multiple activations to engage.