2004 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · CE54 APO

The 2004 Ford Focus exhibits a stable roadworthiness profile based on its most recent MOT test on 2024-01-10 at 116,184 miles, which resulted in a pass with no defects recorded. However, the vehicle’s MOT history shows inconsistent outcomes, including a fail and pass on the same date, which may indicate administrative errors or unresolved issues. No structural, braking, or suspension defects were flagged in the latest test, suggesting the car remains mechanically sound. The absence of advisories or critical failures in the most recent assessment implies the vehicle has been maintained to acceptable standards, though the lack of recent testing beyond 2024 raises concerns about unmonitored deterioration. The vehicle’s mileage of 116,184 miles at 22 years old equates to approximately 5,281 miles annually, significantly lower than average for its age. This suggests either minimal usage or prolonged periods of inactivity, which can accelerate component degradation through corrosion or fluid stagnation. Notably, the 2023-01-11 MOT at 105,412 miles showed a pass, but a preceding fail on 2023-01-05 at the same mileage indicates potential temporary issues, such as sensor malfunctions or minor faults resolved before retesting. The two-year gap between the 2021-12-17 test (103,369 miles) and 2023 MOTs further complicates trend analysis, as no data exists for over 18,000 miles of potential wear. A buyer should prioritize inspecting the exhaust system for rust or leaks, as older vehicles often develop corrosion in this area. Suspension components, including bushes and coil springs, may show wear from infrequent use, while the braking system should be checked for binding calipers or uneven disc wear. The absence of recorded tyre or wiper-related issues is positive, but visual checks for dry-rotted tyres or cracked rubber are still advisable. Given the low mileage and sparse MOT data, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly recommended to confirm the vehicle’s condition beyond the recorded tests.