2009 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · AW02 ADE

The most recent MOT test on 15 September 2025 resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded, suggesting that the issues which caused the previous failures were rectified prior to retest. However, the broader pattern across the documented MOT history does not indicate a uniformly stable or improving trend. Three failures and one pass with advisories have been logged in the last four test cycles, with recurring issues clustered around lighting (position lamps, fog lamp, and headlamp aim) and tyres, including a Dangerous defect for an exposed ply on the offside front tyre in August 2024. The combination of a Dangerous failure followed by a pass the following week, and a similar pattern in 2023 and 2025, suggests the vehicle is generally attended to between tests but may be subject to intermittent neglect of basic roadworthiness items between annual inspections. The recorded mileage of 80,383 miles over approximately 17 years equates to an annual average of around 4,728 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age. Such under-utilisation carries its own mechanical implications distinct from high-mileage wear. Vehicles that have spent significant periods standing are prone to brake disc corrosion and surface pitting, caliper slide seizure leading to binding, tyre sidewall perishing and flat-spotting from prolonged static loading, and degradation of time-sensitive fluids such as brake fluid (typically requiring renewal every two years regardless of mileage due to hygroscopic moisture absorption), coolant, and the 12V battery which can suffer sulphation and loss of cranking capacity from irregular use. The relatively short intervals between consecutive tests each year also suggest the vehicle is used sporadically rather than as a daily driver. Given the recurring nature of minor lighting failures, a prospective buyer should personally verify the operation of all exterior lamps including position lamps, headlamps, rear fog lamp, and indicators, and confirm that headlamp beam pattern and aim appear correct on a level surface with the vehicle unladen. The tyre advisories across multiple years indicate attention is warranted to fitment condition, tread depth across the full width of each tyre, and any uneven shoulder wear which can hint at suspension geometry issues such as worn wishbone bushes, droplinks, or tracking misalignment on the Focus platform. Inspect the nearside rear area particularly closely, as a previous entry noted a nail in the tyre; verify the repair has been carried out professionally and inspect the inner sidewall for any bulges or weakness. On a physical inspection and test drive, particular attention should be paid to suspension condition, including any clonks or knocking from the front over uneven surfaces which would suggest worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or strut top mounts, all common wear items on a Focus of this age. Listen for brake shudder or vibration under light application which would indicate corroded or warped front discs, and verify the vehicle rolls freely when released with the handbrake off to rule out binding rear calipers. Check for any signs of fluid leaks beneath the engine bay, particularly coolant and power steering residue, examine the exhaust for corrosion and blowing joints, and confirm the service book shows evidence of regular oil and filter changes at calendar-appropriate intervals. Finally, given the low annual mileage, budget for renewal of the 12V battery and brake fluid even if no immediate symptoms are apparent, as both will likely be due on a time rather than mileage basis.