2006 Ford Focus 1.6L Petrol · CP06 VOY

A pattern of corrosion-related advisories dominates the roadworthiness record of this 2006 Ford Focus, with rear subframe and coil spring condition appearing at every test since 2023. The most recent assessment on 22 September 2025 culminated in a pass, though the same advisory catalogue was issued that day on a linked failure entry, where the only categorised defect was an offside headlamp aim set too high. The accumulation of rear subframe corrosion, pitted front brake discs, and corroded rear coil springs across consecutive tests suggests these components are deteriorating progressively rather than having been remedied. Earlier in 2023, the vehicle failed on a nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage with excessive ball joint wear and a wiper clearance issue, both of which represent meaningful chassis and visibility defects at the time of test. The recorded mileage of 119,858 miles across approximately twenty years equates to an average annual accumulation of around 5,993 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this age and indicates periods of limited use or extended standing. The MOT entries themselves do not reveal any obvious multi-year testing gaps in the supplied record, but the low rate of distance accumulation means wear-sensitive components such as brake discs, suspension bushes, and coil springs are subject to corrosion from underuse as much as from mechanical fatigue. The advisories recorded broadly align with this pattern, with surface corrosion on structural and suspension parts appearing more frequently than mileage-driven wear items like tyre or exhaust defects, suggesting oxidation rather than high-mileage degradation is the primary concern. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension area warrants close physical inspection given the recurring advisories on both rear coil springs, the trailing arm bush, and the subframe. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the rear suspension over uneven surfaces, particularly over speed humps and undulating tarmac, which would indicate that the corroded springs or worn trailing arm bush have progressed beyond advisory status. The front anti-roll bar linkage that previously failed should be checked by rocking the vehicle and listening for rattling, and the front brake discs, noted as pitted and scored, should be evaluated for brake judder or vibration through the steering wheel under firm braking. An engine oil leak and a gearbox oil leak, both flagged as not excessive in 2024, merit a visual check of the undertray and sump area for fresh seepage and a scan of the engine bay for oil misting on components below the cam cover. The headlamp aim failure from the same September 2025 test day is a straightforward adjustment item, but it should be confirmed as properly set on any inspection. With the rear subframe now appearing as corroded but not seriously weakened across two consecutive tests, any future assessment should look closely for flaking or perforation, particularly around mounting points and bushing locations, as this is a structural element that can deteriorate further between tests. A lift inspection at a garage is advisable to verify the extent of corrosion on the subframe and springs, to confirm brake disc thickness remains within service limits, and to check the steering rack seepage noted in 2023 for any progression. Overall, the mechanical picture is one of an older, low-mileage vehicle where corrosion rather than wear is the dominant concern, and where several advisories have either persisted or reappeared across multiple test cycles.