2005 Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6L Petrol · YB54 AYM

The vehicle's recent MOT history shows a worsening trend regarding rear axle components. While the 2025-09-24 test resulted in a pass with no defects, this followed a failure on 2025-09-23. That failure identified three major defects: an excessively binding nearside rear service brake, a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber, and a rough offside rear wheel bearing. These issues represent a significant escalation from the advisory status seen in previous years. The recorded mileage of 63,275 miles indicates a low annual average of approximately 3,013 miles for a 21-year-old vehicle. The MOT records show consistent annual testing from 2022 through 2025, though the mileage increments between specific tests are not provided to confirm exact annual usage. This low-mileage profile can often lead to components such as brake calipers seizing or suspension seals perishing due to infrequent use. A prospective buyer should focus inspection on the rear suspension and braking systems. The record shows recurring issues with corrosion on both the nearside and offside rear lower suspension arms, which were flagged as advisories in both the 2023-10-03 and 2024-09-26 tests. Although the 2025 failure required repairs to the shock absorber and wheel bearing, the underlying corrosion on the suspension arms remains a point of interest for structural integrity. The transition from advisories for binding brakes in 2024 to a major failure for excessive binding in 2025 suggests that the braking components may require ongoing monitoring. Physical inspection of the rear brake calipers, discs, and the condition of the suspension arm mounting points is necessary to determine if the previously noted corrosion has progressed beyond the levels recorded in the recent MOT history. buying_score: 55 risk_level: Medium.