DVLA verified

2004 FORD FOCUS1.6L Petrol

NL54 APU

Vehicle Insight Summary

Free vehicle summary for NL54 APU: 2004 FORD FOCUS (Grey, Petrol). Mileage: 119,183. MOT: not recorded. Tax: untaxed.

MOT
Expired
Expires 16/09/2023
Tax
No data
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£8.99
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Fuel
Petrol
Year
2004
Engine
1596cc
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by escalating structural and mechanical degradation. While the most recent recorded test in September 2022 at 119,183 miles resulted in a pass, the record shows a pattern of recurring failures and persistent issues. The vehicle has struggled with consistent compliance, particularly regarding braking systems and suspension components, which suggests that repairs are often reactive rather than preventative. The mileage pattern indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,417 miles per year over its lifespan. This low frequency of use is evident in the gaps between tests, such as the period between 2017 and 2018, and the relatively slow climb from 75,327 miles in 2015 to 119,183 miles in 2022. While low mileage can imply less drivetrain wear, the history suggests that long periods of inactivity or light use may have contributed to the significant corrosion issues seen in the chassis and braking lines. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity and underside. The MOT history shows a long-term struggle with corrosion, ranging from minor sill rust in 2018 to excessive corrosion on the offside rear suspension mounting in 2019. The tester also flagged significant rust on the front and rear suspension throughout 2022. Given the recurring issues with brake pipe corrosion and hose deterioration, the entire hydraulic braking system requires a close physical examination to ensure no further structural weakening of the lines exists. Suspension and steering components also require scrutiny. The record shows frequent failures and advisories regarding anti-roll bar joints, ball joints, and trailing arm bushes dating back to 2013. The 2022 test noted an oil leak and worn brake discs, which, combined with the history of exhaust mounting defects and lambda reading failures, suggests the mechanical condition is deteriorating. Any purchase should be contingent on a professional inspection of the chassis for through-rust and a verification of the current state of all suspension bushings and hydraulic connections.

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Free vehicle health score

45
/ 100 · Below Average

Public record health check: Below Average.

Based on free DVLA & DVSA signals. Premium checks for stolen/finance/write-off history are locked below.

✗ MOT Expired or Failed
! Tax Status Unknown
! Average MOT pass rate (50%)
! Older vehicle
A score of 45 doesn't mean it's safe to buy. Private markers don't appear in public data.
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Full History Report

Official provenance and safety check for NL54APU

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Stolen
Locked
Finance
Locked
Write-off
Locked
Salvage
Locked
Imported
Locked
Exported
Locked
Scrapped
Locked
Destruction
Locked
V5C Logbook
Locked
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Full MOT History

Live data last synced with DVSA: 29 Jul 2026, 06:11
Expert AI · Mechanic's Insight
The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend characterized by escalating structural and mechanical degradation. While the most recent recorded test in September 2022 at 119,183 miles resulted in a pass, the record shows a pattern of recurring failures and persistent issues. The vehicle has struggled with consistent compliance, particularly regarding braking systems and suspension components, which suggests that repairs are often reactive rather than preventative. The mileage pattern indicates low annual usage, averaging approximately 5,417 miles per year over its lifespan. This low frequency of use is evident in the gaps between tests, such as the period between 2017 and 2018, and the relatively slow climb from 75,327 miles in 2015 to 119,183 miles in 2022. While low mileage can imply less drivetrain wear, the history suggests that long periods of inactivity or light use may have contributed to the significant corrosion issues seen in the chassis and braking lines. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the vehicle's structural integrity and underside. The MOT history shows a long-term struggle with corrosion, ranging from minor sill rust in 2018 to excessive corrosion on the offside rear suspension mounting in 2019. The tester also flagged significant rust on the front and rear suspension throughout 2022. Given the recurring issues with brake pipe corrosion and hose deterioration, the entire hydraulic braking system requires a close physical examination to ensure no further structural weakening of the lines exists. Suspension and steering components also require scrutiny. The record shows frequent failures and advisories regarding anti-roll bar joints, ball joints, and trailing arm bushes dating back to 2013. The 2022 test noted an oil leak and worn brake discs, which, combined with the history of exhaust mounting defects and lambda reading failures, suggests the mechanical condition is deteriorating. Any purchase should be contingent on a professional inspection of the chassis for through-rust and a verification of the current state of all suspension bushings and hydraulic connections.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

AI Analysis · MOT Narrative

This 2004 Ford Focus (NL54 APU) has a recorded MOT history spanning from September 2021 to September 2022, with 4 MOT tests on record.

Across its entire MOT history, this Ford has a 50% success rate (2 passes and 2 fails). The failure history is significant; we recommend a thorough mechanical inspection before purchase.

The most commonly flagged areas across all MOT tests are: Brakes (15 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). These areas are worth paying attention to when inspecting this vehicle.

There are 20 advisory notices in the MOT history. Advisories are not failures but indicate areas that may need attention in the future.

A total of 8 failure items have been recorded across all tests. Recent failure items include: “Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (8.2.1.2 (c))”; “Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))”.

AI insights are experimental and can be incorrect. All claims should be manually verified.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY