2009 Ford Focus 2.0L Petrol · AM59 NDL

The 2009 Ford Focus presents a stable and recently improving maintenance picture. The most recent test on 27 January 2026 at 97,926 miles passed with zero defects, a clean sweep that contrasts sharply with the advisory-laden records of previous years. The trend is clearly resolving. The recurring suspension bush advisories that appeared in the January 2024 and February 2025 tests have not reappeared in the latest pass, suggesting the front lower suspension arm bushes were replaced between February 2025 and January 2026. The February 2025 failure for a split nearside front CV boot was also rectified ahead of the subsequent pass. This pattern indicates a previous owner addressed accumulated wear items rather than ignoring them. The mileage profile is notably low for a seventeen-year-old vehicle. At 97,926 miles, the annualised average sits at roughly 5,760 miles per year. The record shows a gap of over twelve months between the January 2024 test at 88,776 miles and the February 2025 test at 89,728 miles, during which only 952 miles were covered. This suggests a prolonged period of very light use or possible standing. The subsequent jump to 97,926 miles by January 2026 represents an accumulation of 8,198 miles in roughly eleven months, a marked increase in usage intensity. Buyers should verify whether this sudden uptick reflects a change in ownership or a shift in the vehicle's role, as long periods of inactivity can cause its own issues, including brake seizure, tyre flat-spotting, and fuel system degradation. Despite the low mileage, the repeated tyre condition advisories across the 2023, 2024, and early 2025 tests point to a pattern of perished or cracked rubber that was not promptly replaced. This is a consumable item, but the frequency suggests basic upkeep was deferred. The rear exhaust tailpipe support bracket was flagged as broken in January 2024, and while it did not appear in later records, a physical check of the exhaust mounting and underbody corrosion is advisable. The front suspension bushes were a persistent advisory across three consecutive tests before disappearing, confirming replacement, but the condition of the replacement components and any associated ball joints should be verified on a ramp. A prospective buyer should focus the in-person inspection on the structural underside. Check the front subframe and suspension mounting points for corrosion, particularly given the vehicle's age and the possibility of long-term standing. Examine the CV boots for any fresh splits or grease loss, and assess the brake discs and pads for uneven wear or binding, as low-mileage vehicles frequently suffer from caliper seizure. The tyres should be closely inspected for date codes and sidewall condition, as aged rubber degrades regardless of tread depth. The clean January 2026 result is encouraging, but it does not substitute for a thorough mechanical inspection of a vehicle that has spent much of its life covering very few miles.