2005 Ford Focus 2.0L Petrol · AF55 YYS

The most recent DVSA MOT outcome for this 2005 Ford Focus, dated 20 September 2022, was a Pass, but it sits alongside a recorded Fail from the same date and follows a sequence of tests marked by progressively more serious advisories. The 2022 pass includes advisory notes for a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, corroded rear suspension mounting areas covering both sills and arches described as taped over with strong advice given, corrosion to the rear sub-frame not considered seriously weakened, and corrosion to rear suspension arms also not seriously weakened. The same-day failure recorded an ABS warning lamp indicating an ABS fault and a nearside rear seat belt buckle not functioning as intended, both classed as Major defects, alongside the same tyre and corrosion advisories. Earlier 2022 and 2021 entries repeat the rear sub-frame, rear suspension arm, and sill corrosion advisories, with the 2021 test additionally flagging rear suspension arm pin or bush wear on the trail arm bushes, and seat belt anchorage areas corroded on both inner and outer sills. A 2020 entry recorded a Dangerous failure for front tyre tread depth below 1.6mm on both sides and a Major for a fractured nearside front coil spring, while a clean 2020 pass and earlier 2019 and 2018 passes noted offside front wing corrosion, nearside front wing corrosion, and front brake disc wear, pitting, and scoring on the inner surfaces. The overall trend is therefore clearly worsening, with structural and safety-related corrosion recurring year on year and suspension and tyre defects escalating into Dangerous and Major categories. With a recorded mileage of 165,264 miles over approximately 21 years, this Focus has covered around 7,870 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its age but gives no indication of significant standing periods in the recent record. The MOT history available from 2018 to 2022 shows a steady accumulation of annual mileage without any obvious extended gaps, meaning wear-related defects such as suspension component fatigue, brake component wear, and tyre degradation are likely to be genuine in-service wear rather than age-related deterioration alone. The recorded braking, suspension, and underbody corrosion issues observed at relatively consistent intervals are consistent with a working vehicle used regularly on mixed road surfaces, where moisture and road salt exposure accelerate underfloor and sill corrosion on a Ford Focus of this generation, a model already known for rear sub-frame and suspension arm corrosion susceptibility. A prospective buyer should treat the recurring rear sub-frame, rear suspension arm, and sill corrosion advisories as the most serious area of concern. These advisories indicate progressive structural corrosion that, while not yet classed as seriously weakened, has been flagged at every test for four consecutive years and will likely continue to deteriorate, particularly given that the 2022 tester specifically noted the areas had been taped over with strong advice. On inspection, look closely at the inner and outer sills, the rear sub-frame, the rear suspension arms, and the seat belt anchorage areas for any bubbling, perforation, or fibrous tape repairs hiding advanced corrosion. Jack the vehicle and check the rear trailing arm bushes for play, as the 2021 advisory noted worn pin or bush movement; on a test drive, expect clonking or knocking from the rear over bumps, vague handling, or rear-end instability under load if bushes or arms have further deteriorated. The 2018 advisories for scored and pitted front brake discs indicate surface corrosion and wear that, combined with likely caliper inactivity on a high-mileage car of this age, can cause brake shudder, vibration under pedal pressure, or uneven pad wear. On a road test, listen for any rubbing or scraping from a binding caliper, feel for pulsation through the pedal, and verify the handbrake holds on an incline. Given the recorded ABS warning lamp failure in 2022 and the Dangerous front tyre and fractured coil spring failure in 2020, the buyer should also confirm that these items were properly rectified with documented repair evidence, as unresolved ABS faults can affect braking performance under emergency stops and a renewed fractured spring would compromise ride height and tyre wear. With high mileage and a 21-year-old chassis, check the timing belt or chain service history according to Ford’s recommended interval, as a Focus of this mileage will be well beyond the original replacement schedule and any missed replacement risks serious engine damage. Inspect all tyres carefully for age-related sidewall cracking and perishing as well as tread depth, since the 2022 advisory noted edge wear suggesting possible suspension geometry or inflation issues. Verify the 12V battery health, as vehicles of this age frequently suffer from reduced battery capacity, and check the condition and replacement date of brake fluid, coolant, and engine oil, all of which degrade with calendar age as well as mileage. Finally, examine the underside on a ramp for oil leaks from the engine and transmission, exhaust corrosion or damage particularly around the rear silencer and mounting points, and ensure the rear seat belt buckle identified as faulty in 2022 has been replaced and functions correctly, as seat belt non-compliance is both an MOT failure and a serious safety concern.