1998 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · S573 FFW

The vehicle holds no current MOT certificate; the last test on 3 September 2024 at 76,998 miles resulted in a pass with advisories for front and rear subframe corrosion and corroded fuel pipes. The maintenance trend shows persistent structural deterioration rather than resolution. A failure on 21 July 2023 at 76,828 miles recorded the front subframe as seriously weakened, while the 20 July 2022 test at 76,433 miles failed the nearside sills — inner, outer and sill end — for significantly reduced rigidity, alongside an inadequately repaired offside rear sill. These items reappeared as advisories in 2024, indicating containment but not elimination of the corrosion risk. Mileage accumulation is extremely low for a 1998 model, averaging roughly 2,750 miles per year but declining sharply in recent cycles. Only 149 miles were covered between the July 2023 and September 2024 tests, and just 400 miles in the preceding year. Such minimal use, punctuated by long stationary periods, accelerates underbody corrosion and brake system degradation more aggressively than regular running would. A buyer must prioritise a detailed inspection of the front and rear subframe mounting points, the full length of both sills and inner wheel arches, and the fuel filler and delivery lines which have flagged corrosion at every test since 2021. The braking system demands particular scrutiny: both front brake hoses have shown ferrule corrosion since 2022, the offside front brake pipe was noted corroded and grease‑covered in 2021, and the July 2021 failure recorded a binding nearside rear brake, rear axle imbalance exceeding 50 per cent and inadequate parking brake efficiency. The offside rear anti‑roll bar linkage was excessively worn in 2022, both front CV boots split in 2019, and headlamp aim has failed repeatedly across eight consecutive tests. Low mileage here masks heavy time‑dependent decay; the car requires comprehensive structural and hydraulic renewal before reliable road use.