2017 Ford Focus 1.5L Petrol · YR67 CUG

A 2017 Ford Focus carrying 99,119 miles presents a roadworthiness record dominated by a recurring corrosion advisory on the rear anti-roll bar, noted in three of the last four annual tests, alongside a single but significant failure event in October 2024. That 2024 test produced two dangerous defects for ply or cords exposed on both front tyres and a major defect for an inoperative offside headlamp on dipped beam, in addition to the same rear anti-roll bar corrosion advisory that had appeared the previous year. The rear anti-roll bar advisory has carried over into the most recent pass on 22 October 2025, indicating that while the corrosion has not yet progressed to a fail-level structural concern, it is a persistent and progressive issue on this chassis. Aside from that pattern, the earlier history is largely uneventful, with clean passes recorded in 2021 and 2022, a minor wiper failure in October 2023, and a brake and tyre advisory in 2020 that pointed to routine wear items. With nine years on the road and an average of roughly 11,000 miles per year, the Focus sits squarely within typical usage expectations for its age, which means consumable wear on brakes, tyres, suspension joints and drivetrain components should be proportionate to the mileage rather than aggravated by neglect or extended standing. There are no large gaps in the testing record and no sudden mileage jumps between consecutive tests, which is consistent with continuous regular use. The advisory for all brake pads wearing thin recorded in 2020 and the front tyre edge wear noted that same year suggest the vehicle was working through its consumables at a normal rate, and the absence of any further brake or tyre advisories in subsequent tests indicates those items have since been replaced. The recorded history does not show evidence of prolonged off-road periods or erratic mileage that would raise separate concerns. From a buyer inspection standpoint, the rear anti-roll bar corrosion should be the central focus. On a physical check, look closely at the bar itself, its drop links, and the mounting brackets for advanced surface rust, flaking, or any thinning of the metal that could be close to a fail threshold. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the rear suspension over uneven roads, particularly over speed bumps or potholes, and feel for any vagueness or secondary body roll through quick direction changes, as a corroded anti-roll bar and its links can compromise rear axle stability. Given the 2024 dangerous tyre defects, inspect the current front tyres carefully for any exposed cord, cuts, or bulges, confirm the tread depth is well above the legal 1.6mm minimum, and check that the sidewalls are free of cracking. The headlamp fault on that same test warrants verifying that both dipped beams illuminate correctly, that the lens units are not heavily oxidated, and that any aftermarket bulbs are correctly seated. Other items worth confirming on a physical inspection include the windscreen wiper operation across both sides, as the 2023 failure showed the offside wiper clearing poorly, and a general check of the front and rear brake discs for lipping, corrosion, or binding calipers given the mileage. With 99,119 miles recorded, it is also prudent to listen for any timing chain rattle on cold start, check for oil leaks around the engine and gearbox, and confirm the clutch operation feels smooth without slipping or judder on a test drive. While the MOT record cannot confirm mechanical soundness or maintenance history beyond what is documented, the inspection priorities here are the rear anti-roll bar corrosion trajectory, the quality of the current tyres, and the lighting and braking systems, all of which have a direct bearing on whether this Focus will continue to pass its next test without further intervention.