2018 Ford Focus ST-3 Tdci Auto 2.0L Heavy oil · YM67 RTZ

A Ford Focus of this vintage carrying 104,518 miles will inevitably show wear on its consumables, and the four-test MOT history presented here is essentially a clean sheet with only one set of advisories to digest. Three consecutive passes from 2022 through to 2025 were recorded without any defects or advisories, the most recent being achieved on 10 August 2025, which indicates that the vehicle has remained roadworthy across its recent test cycles. The only advisory-laden test dates back to January 2021, when the car was roughly three years old and had covered considerably fewer miles, so the overall trajectory is one of stable roadworthiness rather than a pattern of recurring or worsening mechanical faults. The annual mileage of approximately 13,065 miles is high for a 2018 Focus, particularly when one considers that this figure sits well above the typical 7,000 to 9,000 miles per year accumulated by average private vehicles. With 104,518 miles now recorded, the engine, manual transmission internals, clutch friction plate, turbocharger (if equipped with the 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.5 EcoBlue), and drivetrain mounts will have experienced substantial cumulative stress. There is a notable gap of around two years and seven months between the January 2021 test and the May 2022 test, which could indicate either a period without testing requirement, an administrative delay, or the vehicle being off the road for a stretch before returning to active service. Given the high mileage, buyers should anticipate that the timing chain, dual-clutch or manual gearbox actuators, and engine ancillary drive components are all closer to the upper end of their typical service life. The advisories from the 2021 test warrant specific attention during any inspection, as they touch on braking performance and wheel integrity. The front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin, the rear brake pads were similarly showing low material, and a nearside front road wheel was noted as slightly distorted, all of which are likely to have been replaced by now given the intervening mileage. A test drive should include firm pedal applications from moderate speed to check for any pulling to one side, which could indicate a binding caliper or warped brake disc, particularly on the nearside front where the distorted wheel was noted. Listen for any clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed bumps, as the distorted wheel rim could have transmitted impact loading into the front hub bearings, track rod ends, and suspension bushes, all of which are common wear items on high-mileage Focuses of this generation. Pulsation through the brake pedal under sustained braking would be a clear sign of disc run-out that warrants measurement with a dial gauge. Tyre wear on the offside rear was flagged as being close to the legal limit, which at this mileage and vehicle age means a full set of replacement tyres should be budgeted for imminently. Inspect the sidewalls closely for cracking or bulging, as ageing rubber compounds deteriorate regardless of tread depth, and check that all four tyres are of matching brand, size, and at least the same tread pattern to avoid differential grip on the front axle. With the EcoBoost engines in particular known for coolant leaks and oil consumption issues at higher mileages, it would be prudent to lift the bonnet and look for any signs of coolant staining around the water pump, thermostat housing, and cylinder head gasket area, as well as checking the oil filler cap for any mayonnaise-like residue that could indicate head gasket failure. A cold start should be observed for any excessive smoke from the exhaust, and the engine should be revved while stationary to listen for any timing chain rattle or auxiliary belt squeal, both of which become more probable as these powertrains accumulate mileage beyond the 100,000 mile threshold.