2004 Ford Focus C-MAX 1.6L Diesel · VK54 ADU

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2004 Ford Focus C-MAX was conducted on 27 February 2024, and the vehicle passed with no defects or advisories recorded. The preceding tests in February 2023 and March 2022 also resulted in clean passes, indicating that the vehicle has demonstrated consistent roadworthiness compliance over the most recent three-year cycle. It is worth noting, however, that the March 2022 entry includes both a Pass and a Fail recorded on the same date, which strongly suggests an immediate retest following a same-day repair rather than a genuine mechanical decline. Overall, the absence of any advisories across these recent examinations points towards a stable maintenance trend, though the relatively sparse record provides limited insight into longer-term wear patterns. With a recorded mileage of 145,614 miles spread across approximately 22 years, this Focus C-MAX has averaged around 6,619 miles annually, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no obvious signs of either excessive high-mileage accumulation or prolonged periods of standing, which is mechanically favourable. The mileage progression appears consistent with regular but moderate use, suggesting that major drivetrain and suspension components have likely been worked appropriately without being subjected to extreme duty cycles. That said, at this cumulative mileage, the engine, manual transmission, clutch, and turbocharger (if fitted) will be well into their serviceable lifespans, and wear-related faults may begin to emerge regardless of how well the vehicle has been maintained historically. Because the MOT history is notably clean and free of advisories, a prospective purchaser cannot rely on the test record alone to forecast imminent maintenance requirements and should instead concentrate on age- and mileage-related deterioration that the MOT examination does not always fully reveal. The tyres should be inspected carefully for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with calendar age even when tread depth remains adequate, and a vehicle of this vintage is particularly susceptible to this form of deterioration. The braking system should be examined for signs of disc corrosion, particularly on the inner faces where rust build-up can lead to juddering under braking, and the caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be checked for seizure, as vehicles that have stood for extended periods are prone to binding calipers. Brake fluid should be renewed in line with manufacturer schedules, as it is hygroscopic and degrades over time irrespective of mileage. The 12V battery is another priority consideration, particularly if the vehicle has seen irregular use, as batteries in older vehicles frequently suffer from reduced cranking performance and intermittent electrical faults. All fluid levels and their condition, including engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission oil, should be verified, with attention to any signs of leaks from the engine sump, coolant hoses, or the cooling system generally, as perished hoses are common on vehicles of this age. On the test drive, the buyer should listen carefully for any suspension clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would indicate worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or coil spring seats; any uneven or feathered tyre wear should also prompt a closer inspection of the wheel alignment and suspension geometry. Finally, verifying the completeness of the service book stamps and confirming that cambelt and water pump replacement intervals have been observed is essential, as these are critical maintenance items on a high-mileage vehicle of this age, and their omission can lead to catastrophic engine failure.