2004 Ford Focus 1.8L Diesel · YP54 AHL

This 2004 Ford Focus has demonstrated a stable roadworthiness trend over the past two years, with the most recent MOT test on 5 May 2025 at 201,745 miles resulting in a clean pass. The absence of defects in the final two tests—both in 2025 and 2024—indicates no immediate cause for alarm, though the repeated failures in early 2024 and 2023 (both at just 193,800 miles) suggest a brief but unresolved issue was addressed before the vehicle passed subsequent tests. The final pass in May 2025, just over a year ago, means the vehicle has not undergone a full MOT inspection since then, leaving a gap of nearly 14 months without official verification of critical components like suspension integrity, brake efficiency, or exhaust emissions. The recorded mileage of 201,745 miles over 22 years reflects a steady usage pattern of approximately 9,170 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no abrupt jumps or prolonged periods of inactivity to suggest neglect or extended storage, though the lack of intermediate MOTs between 2023 and 2025 means no third-party confirmation exists for the vehicle’s condition during that period. The repeated failures at nearly identical mileages in early 2023 and 2024—just eight days apart—imply a specific issue, likely a minor oversight or temporary fault, was rectified before the vehicle passed subsequent tests. This pattern does not necessarily indicate chronic problems but warrants scrutiny of the components that could have caused such failures. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension system, particularly the condition of coil springs, bushes, and dampers, as these are common failure points in vehicles of this age and mileage. The repeated failures at similar mileages in early 2023 and 2024 may have been related to brake-related issues, so the condition of brake discs, calipers, and pads—especially for binding or excessive wear—should be thoroughly checked. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and the subframe, is also a concern for a vehicle this old, and any rust penetration could compromise structural integrity. Finally, the exhaust system should be examined for leaks or damage, as emissions failures are a common cause of MOT rejections in older models.