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SAMPLE

Ford Focus St-Line X Ecoboost

Grey, 2019, Petrol

Don't buy this car as things stand

We found a serious problem that could cost you the car or your money. Read the red items below before you go any further.

What we found

  • Serious

    There's finance on this car

    It's still tied to a hire purchase agreement with Example Motor Finance taken out on 12 June 2024. Until that's paid off the lender owns the car, so it can be taken back from you even after you've paid for it.

    What to do

    • Don't pay anything until the finance is cleared.
    • Ask the seller for a settlement letter from Example Motor Finance, then call Example Motor Finance yourself to confirm.
    • Buying from a dealer? Get it in writing that they'll clear the finance before handover.
    • Run a new check after it's cleared. It can take a few days for the record to update.

  • Check this

    It's been written off (Cat N)

    Category N means the damage was not structural (for example panels, lights or electrics). The insurer decided not to pay for the repair. It was recorded on 8 February 2023. The damage was recorded at the rear.

    What to do

    • Ask the seller for the repair invoices and photos of the damage.
    • Get an independent inspection before you buy. A body shop can check the repair quality.
    • Expect to pay less: written-off cars usually sell for 20–40% under a clean equivalent.
    • Get an insurance quote first. Some insurers won't cover written-off cars, or charge more.

  • Good to know

    It's had a different number plate

    Previously registered as EX19 ABC. Private plates are common and usually harmless, but problems recorded against an old plate are easy to miss.

    What to do

    • Check the V5C shows the same history, and ask the seller why the plate was changed.

The good news

  • Not recorded as stolen
  • Mileage readings go up steadily, with no signs of clocking
  • Passed its last MOT

Use these to negotiate

The last MOT tester noted these. They didn't fail the test, but they'll need doing. Ask the seller whether they've been fixed. If not, ask for money off.

Tyres

  • Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge

Typically £60–£150 per tyre fitted. A rough guide to independent garage prices.

Brakes

  • Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin

Typically £150–£300 per axle for discs and pads. A rough guide to independent garage prices.

Suspension and steering

  • Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement

Typically £80–£300 per item. A rough guide to independent garage prices.

What it's worth

Buying privately
£9,850
Buying from a dealer
£11,495
Part-exchange value
£8,600

Guide prices for an average example at 48,210 miles. Condition, service history and the problems above all move the price.

Mileage history

DateMilesSource
10 March 202648,210MOT
11 March 202539,875MOT
2 March 202431,020MOT
24 March 202218,455MOT

About 6,890 miles a year on average.

MOT history

4 passed and 1 failed out of 5 tests. Current MOT runs out on 14 March 2027.

10 March 202648,210 miPass
  • Advisory: Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  • Advisory: Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
  • Advisory: Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
11 March 202539,875 miPass

No faults or advisories recorded.

2 March 202431,020 miPass

No faults or advisories recorded.

2 March 202431,020 miFail
  • Major: Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))
24 March 202218,455 miPass

No faults or advisories recorded.

Check it's the right car

Before you pay, make sure these match the car in front of you and its V5C logbook.

Make and model
Ford Focus St-Line X Ecoboost
Colour
Grey
First registered
29 March 2019
Engine
999 cc
Fuel
Petrol
Gearbox
Manual
Body
Hatchback
Previous keepers
3
VIN ends in
4D21

The VIN is stamped on the car, usually at the bottom of the windscreen and inside the driver's door. We only show the last four characters.

Running costs

Road tax (12 months)
£190
Tax status
Taxed
Fuel economy (combined)
54.3 mpg
CO2
117 g/km
Power
123 bhp
0–60 mph
9.9 seconds

Report produced on 26 October 2026 from DVLA, DVSA, police, insurance and finance industry records supplied by our data partner. Records can be incomplete or out of date, and we can't guarantee them. This report is guidance, not a mechanical inspection. Always see the car, check its paperwork and test drive it before you buy.