2004 Ford Focus 1.8L Diesel · BP53 AHD
2004 Ford Focus (1.8L, diesel). First registered 27 Jan 2004. Recorded mileage 187,211 miles. MOT expired on 06 Oct 2023. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- FORD FOCUS
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 06 Oct 2023
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 187,211 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
BP53 AHD Key Findings
- 4 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 12/10/2023
- 187,211 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 12 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (9 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BP53 AHD MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
4 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Ford Focus (BP53 AHD) between September 2021 and October 2023.
The record contains 2 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 12 October 2023 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Suspension (9 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (2 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Tyres (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 14 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm Both rear (5.2.3 (e))”; “Brake pipe excessively corroded both front to rear (1.1.11 (c))”; “Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural streng”.
BP53 AHD Mileage History
- 30/09/2021174,309 mi
- 05/10/2021174,414 mi+105 mi
- 05/10/2022183,327 mi+8,913 mi
- 12/10/2023187,211 mi+3,884 mi
Average of roughly 6,351 miles per year across 4 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution. This vehic
If you are considering this vehicle, a professional pre-purchase inspection is essential, specifically focusing on the underside. The MOT history shows a progression of corrosion issues, moving from 'not considered excessive' in 2022 to 'significantly reducing structural strength' in the 2023 failure. You should negotiate the price downwards to account for potential immediate structural repairs.
Check for a comprehensive service history to see how the reported 'excessive oil leak' from the engine has been addressed. Given the age and mileage, ensure that all previous MOT advisories, such as the shock absorber misting and brake pipe corrosion, have been professionally rectified rather than just patched. Avoid any vehicle where the structural corrosion on the sills or subframe has not been fully repaired to safety standards.
As a 1.8L diesel model, fuel economy should be relatively efficient for its age, though actual figures will depend on maintenance. Tax and insurance groups for a 2004 Focus are typically moderate, making it affordable to insure for many drivers.
However, maintenance costs are likely to be higher than average due to the recurring nature of the faults. The MOT history indicates frequent needs for suspension work, brake pipe replacement, and lighting repairs. Expect annual maintenance costs to be elevated to manage the aging components and the high mileage of 187,211 miles.
The primary concern is the structural integrity. The 2023 MOT failure specifically noted that the offside rear suspension component mounting area was excessively corroded, significantly reducing the structural strength of the sill. You must inspect the sills, flitches, and subframe for deep-seated rust.
Secondly, inspect the braking system and fuel/fluid lines. The vehicle has a long-standing history of brake pipe corrosion dating back to at least 2021. Additionally, investigate the engine for the 'excessive oil leak' noted in the 2023 failure. Finally, check the suspension, as the history shows repeated issues with shock absorbers, coil springs, and anti-roll bar linkages.
This 2004 Ford Focus diesel, registered in January 2004, has covered 187,211 miles as of its last recorded MOT in October 2023. The MOT history reveals a pattern of recurring issues, specifically regarding brake pipe corrosion and suspension components. The most recent test resulted in a failure with multiple serious defects, including excessive structural corrosion and an engine oil leak.
Aggregate data for this model shows an average MOT pass rate of 79.1%, with common failure points being tyres, headlamps, and corrosion.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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