2004 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · AF04 LLK

The 2004 Ford Focus presents a mixed but broadly stable maintenance profile, passing its most recent MOT on 11 June 2026 at 77,506 miles with only minor advisories. Nearside front and rear tyres showed cracking or perishing, and both rear coil springs carry slight corrosion. These are not new problems. The pattern across the last three years suggests the vehicle has been kept on the road without significant deterioration, though minor rubber and corrosion items keep reappearing rather than being permanently resolved. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging roughly 3,500 miles per year. Between the June 2025 pass at 76,872 miles and the June 2026 pass at 77,506 miles, only 634 miles were covered in twelve months. The gap between the June 2024 test at 76,309 miles and June 2025 at 76,872 miles shows a similarly modest 563 miles. This is consistent with very light annual use, likely short local journeys, which can accelerate certain issues like tyre perishing and surface corrosion due to lack of sustained driving heat cycles and moisture evaporation. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension and subframe area. The June 2024 test flagged a corroded rear subframe and corroded brake pipes covered in grease or other material, while the June 2023 test noted corrosion on both rear inner sills and suspension components, albeit without significantly reduced structural integrity. The June 2026 advisory for rear spring corrosion suggests this area remains a recurring concern. Inspect the rear subframe mounting points, inner sills, and both rear coil springs for pitting or scaling. Surface rust can hide deeper section loss on a vehicle of this age. The braking system also warrants a thorough check. The June 2025 failure identified a twisted offside front brake hose, and corroded rear brake pipes were flagged the year prior. A twisted hose can cause uneven braking or caliper drag, while corroded pipes pose a risk of pressure loss under heavy braking. Have a technician inspect all flexible hoses for kinks, perishing, or incorrect routing, and examine the rigid metal brake lines along the underside for corrosion, particularly at the rear. The repeated tyre advisories across multiple tests point to age-related perishing rather than wear, meaning all four tyres and the spare should be checked for date codes and replaced if they exceed six years of age regardless of remaining tread depth.