2009 Ford Focus 1.6L Diesel · AD09 CNN

The vehicle most recently presented for MOT testing on 1 May 2026 and achieved a Pass, although a single advisory was issued against the nearside rear tyre for slight damage, cracking or perishing. Looking back through the recorded history, the broader maintenance trajectory appears broadly stable. Three consecutive passes were recorded in 2023, 2024 and 2025 with no defects noted, suggesting that any underlying issues have been competently addressed between tests. The only failure in the dataset, on 22 May 2023, related to an inoperative offside registration plate lamp and an excessively worn lower offside front outer suspension arm ball joint, the latter being a significant safety related item. The fact that the vehicle subsequently passed without recurrence implies that repair work was carried out to a satisfactory standard, though a prospective buyer should remain mindful that suspension components are interconnected and a worn ball joint can sometimes indicate broader wear in the wishbone assembly or related bushes. The recorded mileage of 86,198 miles on a 17 year old Ford Focus equates to an average of roughly 5,070 miles per year, which is notably below the typical annual mileage for a car of this age and class. This relatively low usage figure has two competing mechanical implications. On one hand, the engine, transmission and drivetrain have experienced less cumulative wear than a higher mileage equivalent. On the other, low annual mileage frequently indicates periods of standing or very infrequent use, which brings its own concerns. Vehicles that sit for prolonged intervals are susceptible to brake disc corrosion, seized or binding calipers, deteriorated flexible brake hoses, perished rubber components and 12 volt battery degradation. The relatively even progression through the recorded test dates, with tests conducted annually and mileage accruing at a steady pace, suggests the car has been in regular use rather than laid up, though the actual gaps between annual tests are still consistent with modest rather than intensive usage. Given the age of the vehicle and the low mileage profile, particular attention should be paid to age related deterioration rather than purely wear related defects. The advisory issued at the most recent test for nearside rear tyre perishing is a timely reminder to inspect all four tyres carefully for sidewall cracking and check groove depth, as tyres of this vintage can harden and lose grip even when tread remains adequate. Brake discs should be examined for corrosion and any juddering or pulsation under braking noted on a test drive, while the caliper slide pins and handbrake mechanism should be checked for seizing, a common issue on cars that have seen periods of inactivity. Suspension bushes, particularly the front lower wishbone bushes and anti roll bar links, should be inspected for cracking or splitting, and any clonks or knocks heard over speed bumps or during sharp direction changes would warrant further investigation. The offside front ball joint that previously failed should be specifically rechecked for play or looseness. Beyond the mechanical components, time based servicing items demand close scrutiny on a car of this vintage. Engine oil and filter changes, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all degrade on a calendar basis as much as through use, and confirmation should be sought that these have been refreshed within their recommended intervals regardless of the modest mileage. The 12 volt battery is particularly vulnerable in low use scenarios and its state of charge and cranking performance should be evaluated. The exhaust system, given its age, should be checked for corrosion at the mounting points, joints and rear silencer, and a listen for any blowing or rattling at idle and under load is advisable. Finally, verifying a complete service book record and confirming that the cam belt or chain, spark plugs and ignition components have been replaced at the manufacturer specified intervals will provide further confidence in the long term mechanical integrity of this Ford Focus.