2015 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · WP15 UXA

The defining mechanical event in this Focus's recent history is a steering-related failure that was promptly rectified, with the car returning to the road within days under a clean pass on 19 June 2026. The MOT sequence shows a stable pattern up to early June 2026, with three consecutive clean passes recorded in 2024, 2025, and early June 2026, before the 16 June 2026 test identified an offside front track rod end ball joint with excessive play. That single component wear, classified as a Major defect, is the only failure entry across the five tests on file and indicates localised wear rather than systemic deterioration. The accompanying advisories from the same date, covering slight cracking/perishing on both rear tyres and play in an offside front steering rack inner joint, further point to ageing rubber and steering linkage wear that had been developing before the test. At 50,703 miles on an eleven-year-old vehicle, the recorded accumulation equates to roughly 4,600 miles per year, which sits well below the typical mileage for a Focus of this vintage. Such a low annual figure suggests the car has either been used sparingly for short journeys or has experienced extended periods of inactivity between tests. Mechanically, low annual mileage does not necessarily preserve condition; instead it can accelerate deterioration of perishable components such as tyres, brake discs and hydraulic seals through infrequent use, while leaving suspension joints more vulnerable to corrosion and stiffness from standing. The MOT history spans from May 2024 to June 2026 without any recorded gaps in testing, confirming continuous road use, but the modest annual mileage means consumables may have aged more from environmental exposure than from wear. For a prospective buyer, the steering components flagged on 16 June 2026 deserve direct attention on any test drive, even though the car subsequently passed after repair. With the track rod end now replaced, the focus should shift to the offside front steering rack inner joint, where play was noted as an advisory. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over uneven surfaces, particularly during full-lock manoeuvres at low speed, and feel for any looseness or rattle through the steering wheel. Excessive free play before self-centring, or a knocking sensation transmitted into the cabin when traversing potholes or speed bumps, would indicate the joint has progressed beyond acceptable tolerance and warrants further inspection of the rack assembly, drop links and anti-roll bar bushes. The tyre condition flagged at the same test is also worth examining, as both rear tyres were recorded with slight damage or perishing despite the vehicle's low mileage. Inspect the sidewalls and tread face for cracks, bulges or embedded damage, and confirm the fitted tyres match in size, brand and tread depth across both rear positions. Under hard cornering, listen for any squeal or slip from the rear axle, which could indicate uneven grip. On the road, the test drive should include firm brake application from around 40 mph to check for judder or vibration through the pedal, and a slow-speed pass over broken surfaces to expose any clonks from the front suspension. Given the Focus's age and the steering wear recorded, a precautionary check of the front brake discs for lipping, the condition of the rear brake mechanisms and the exhaust system for corrosion would round out a sensible appraisal.