2008 Ford Focus 1.8L Petrol · AX57 GNN

The vehicle is currently technically roadworthy, but the maintenance history reveals a pattern of reactive rather than preventative care. The most recent test in February 2024 at 98,824 miles resulted in a failure due to a split offside front CV boot, an insecure rear exhaust, and a faulty side repeater. While the vehicle passed the subsequent retest, the recurring nature of mechanical and exhaust failures suggests that the owner only addresses faults once they reach an MOT-fail threshold. At 98,824 miles, this 18-year-old Focus has covered an average of approximately 5,500 miles per year. There is a significant gap in records between April 2022 (85,774 miles) and February 2024 (98,824 miles), where the vehicle covered over 13,000 miles. The low annual usage often correlates with age-related degradation of rubber components, which is evidenced by the repeated reports of deteriorated suspension bushes and perishing tyres, such as noted in the 2021 test. A buyer must closely inspect the front suspension assembly, as the lower arm bushes have been flagged as deteriorated in 2013, 2017, and 2021. The tester also noted misting on shock absorbers in 2022, which indicates imminent seal failure. Given the 2021 failure for dense blue smoke and a nearside oil leak, the engine should be checked for signs of oil consumption or internal wear, as low-mileage engines can suffer from sitting. The exhaust system also requires attention, as it has been flagged as insecure in both 2019 and 2024.