2002 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · SG51 BFP
2002 Ford Focus (1.6L, petrol). First registered 21/02/2002. Recorded mileage 85,298 miles. MOT valid until 04/07/2027. Taxed until 01/05/2027.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Glasgow
- MOT Status
- Valid until 04/07/2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01/05/2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 85,298 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
- Fuel Type
- Petrol
- Year
- 2002
- Engine
- 1596cc
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
SG51 BFP Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/06/2026
- 85,298 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (12 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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SG51 BFP Mileage History
- 19/06/202481,524 mi
- 17/06/202583,321 mi+1,797 mi
- 17/06/202583,321 mi
- 09/06/202685,289 mi+1,968 mi
- 18/06/202685,298 mi+9 mi
Average of roughly 1,890 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
SG51 BFP 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 (SG51 BFP) between June 2024 and June 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 18 June 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (12 issues), Brakes (9 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Bodywork (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 31 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 Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength bo”; “Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength b”.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution or avoid due to structural integrity. While the mileage is reasonable, the vehicle shows escalating rust in critical body sills and suspension mountings.
The primary concern for this car is the structural rust. The 2026 MOT failure highlighted 'excessive corrosion' in the suspension mounting areas and body sills. You must verify if these have been professionally welded and repaired or if they were merely treated. If the rust is structural, the car may be unsafe or expensive to maintain. Check the engine for the persistent oil leak, which has been noted since at least 2021. While described as 'not excessive,' it indicates aging gaskets or seals that will eventually worsen. Ensure there is a service history record to back up oil changes, as the MOT history shows several items like tyres and stop lamps were ignored for multiple years.
The 1.6cc petrol engine is relatively economical, likely delivering around 35-40 mpg if well-maintained. Tax and insurance for a car of this age are typically low, making it cheap to run monthly. However, maintenance costs may be higher than average due to the recurring rust-related repairs. Expect to spend on rear coil springs and brake pipes again. Estimate an annual running cost of approximately £900-£1,100 including fuel and basic maintenance.
Perform a thorough underside inspection focusing on the sills and suspension mounting points. The June 2026 failure specifically cited these areas as losing structural strength; look for any bubbling paint, thin metal, or fresh-looking welds.
Examine the rear brake pipes thoroughly, as they have been flagged as corroded for five consecutive years. Also check the rear coil springs for cracks or thinning, as these have been a persistent advisory since 2020.
This 2002 Ford Focus has a relatively low-age record of 85,298 miles for its age. However, the MOT history reveals a worrying pattern of structural decay, culminating in major failures regarding the sills and suspension mountings in 2026. Persistent issues with corroded brake pipes and springs suggest a vehicle that has suffered from long-term environmental damage.
The Mk1 generation Ford Focus is known for its excellent handling, but older examples are notorious for rust issues if not kept away from salt.
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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