Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2001 Ford Focus LX?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2001 Ford Focus LX?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2001 Ford Focus LX?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

Is the 2001 Ford Focus LX reliable?

Based on MOT data from 413 vehicles, the 2001 Ford Focus LX has a first-time MOT pass rate of 76.4%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2001 Ford Focus LX?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Ford Focus LX (2001)

413 real MOT outcomes analysed • 76.4% first-time pass rate

2001 Ford Focus LX

CarHunch analysed 413 real MOT records for the 2001 Ford Focus LX. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

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Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

Limited data for this trim variant. The DVLA records this vehicle under a specific trim-level name with only 413 vehicles on record — some statistics may not be reliable at this sample size.

See the full 2001 FORD FOCUS (141,812 vehicles)

The 2001 Ford Focus LX passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (76.4%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

First-time pass

76.4%

UK average ~80%

Around average

Dangerous (ever)

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

0.09

Over 1.2 tests on record

Low

🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.

These stats describe 413 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 413 Ford Focus LX cars.

Before you buy a 2001 Ford Focus LX

Based on MOT data from 413 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 0% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type	Vehicles	Pass rate	Avg failures
Petrol (88%)	363	—	0

Colour Breakdown

Based on 4,225 Ford Focus LX vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 28.2%

1,192

Silver 26.1%

1,103

Black 16.5%

697

Green 11.2%

472

Red 8.2%

347

Grey 5.5%

232

White 3.5%

149

Gold 0.8%

MOT History Averages

1.2

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

0.09

Avg failures per vehicle

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Ford Focus LX: All Focus LX years → Which year to buy? →

1998 1999 2000 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Or browse all models: Ford →

Compare with another model

See how the 2001 Ford Focus LX stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?