2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · HY51 APV
2002 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 23/01/2002. Recorded mileage 69,532 miles. MOT valid until 27/01/2027. Taxed until 01/01/2027.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27/01/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/01/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 69,532 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2002
- Engine
- 1596cc
HY51 APV Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 17/01/2026
- 69,532 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (14 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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HY51 APV Mileage History
- 05/01/202368,175 mi
- 17/01/202468,794 mi+619 mi
- 17/01/202468,795 mi+1 mi
- 14/01/202569,268 mi+473 mi
- 17/01/202669,532 mi+264 mi
Average of roughly 447 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
HY51 APV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2002 Ford Focus (HY51 APV) between January 2023 and January 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 17 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (14 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Lighting (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 22 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution; while the low mileage is attractive, the consistent de-priorit in MOT history suggest a history of neglect regarding basic maintenance like tyres and emerging structural corrosion issues.
The primary concern for this vehicle is the lack of proactive maintenance. The MOT history shows repeated advisories for perishing and cracking tyres across multiple years, suggesting the car may have sat for long periods or had basic checks ignored. Ensure all four tyres are brand new with adequate tread before purchase, as they have been a recurring issue for years.
Pay close attention to the oil leak which has been noted since at least 2022; while the MOT describes it 'not excessive', you should verify if the source is a simple seal or a more expensive engine gasket failure. Ask for a full service history to confirm if the low mileage is matched by regular oil changes, which are vital for the 1.6L Zetec engine.
With a 1.6L petrol engine, this Focus is relatively economical to run, likely achieving 35-40 MPG depending on driving. Given its age and engine size, it should fall into a low insurance group and tax band, making it an affordable option for motorists.
Maintenance costs are generally low as parts are widely available and inexpensive, though you should budget for regular items like brakes and tyres. Estimate an annual running cost of approximately £700-£900, including fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing.
Inspect the rear sub-frame thoroughly; the January 2026 MOT noted corrosion that was not yet serious. This is a common weak point for this era of Focus and if the rust progresses, the car will eventually fail its MOT. Check the front anti-roll bar linkages, as the latest MOT noted severely deteriorated dust covers.
Under the hood, check for the source of the persistent oil leak. Look for signs of weeping around the valve cover or oil filter housing. Additionally, check the age of the tyres on the sidewall, as the history shows a long trend of using rubber that has dried out due to age despite the low mileage.
This 2002 Ford Focus sits at exceptionally low mileage for its age, having covered under 70,000 miles in 24 years. However, the MOT record reveals a recurring pattern of deferred maintenance, specifically regarding perished tyres and a persistent oil leak. The recent appearance of corrosion on the rear sub-frame is a significant factor to consider when evaluating the long-term structural integrity of the vehicle.
The early-generation Ford Focus is known for its handling and mechanical simplicity, though it is prone to rust if not kept in dry conditions.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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